The State Government reviews Ashburton’s Markham Estate and reduces its size by 25 apartments
A DROP in the height and number of apartments planned for the former Markham Estate site in Ashburton have been described as “token gestures” by neighbours.
Inner East
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A DROP in the height and number of apartments planned for the former Markham Estate site in Ashburton have been described as “token gestures” by neighbours.
Boroondara Council cautiously welcomed the State Government’s changes, announced last Friday.
They include a reduction in heights, increased setbacks and the number of apartments cut from 250 to 225, but Ashburton Residents Action Group spokesman Peter Fellows said the changes did not go far enough.
“Any reduction in scale has merit but this is a token gesture after two years,” Mr Fellows said.
“When it was announced on September 5, 2015, it was 240 apartments. It went up to 250 now they are back to only 15 less than the original.
“They’ve spent two years doing something that is pathetically trivial.”
Boroondara Mayor Phillip Healey said the new proposal was “far more respectful of the parkland setting and will ensure there is no overshadowing of council’s park”.
“We remain disappointed that the (planning) minister has chosen to make himself the responsible planning authority,” Cr Healey said.
“However we are pleased that he has allowed for consultation with the City of Boroondara and that our feedback will be provided directly to him rather than through Development Victoria.”
Acting Planning Minister Lisa Neville said the new design would get the balance right between protecting neighbourhood character and providing safe and secure housing.
“This is ultimately about giving the Markham Estate the refurbishment it sorely needs — and making more decent, affordable and stable accommodation for those in need,” she said.
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