Caulfield Village: Beck Probuild refuses Glen Eira Council plea to include social housing
A WEALTHY developer has refused pleas to include social housing at a billion dollar development overlooking the Caulfield Racecourse, despite a long legal battle to let needy people in.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A WEALTHY developer has refused pleas to include social housing at a billion dollar development in Caulfield, despite a long legal battle to let desperate people in.
Since last year, Glen Eira Council has fought with developer Beck Probuild to include a minimum of five per cent social and affordable housing at its huge Caulfield Village proposal overlooking the racecourse, expected to bring in thousands of residents.
CAULFIELD VILLAGE HEADED TO VCAT
COUNCILLOR STUNS CHAMBER WITH SOCIAL HOUSING OBJECTION
The council had resorted to amending planning law forcing the developers hand, after Beck Probuild last year won a VCAT appeal to drop the component because it would cost too much.
Its now abandoned the fight, after 11 objections were received to the amendment citing concerns it was “beyond legal power of authority”, and questions about how the requirement would be applied across the site.
Councillor Mary Delahunty said she was furious the developer had fought so hard to ensure the development was solely for profit.
“This developer along with the (Melbourne Racing Club) could afford to purchase this land outright, because they’ve done so well profiteering from public land,” Cr Delahunty said.
“(Now) they can’t give back a tiny bit for people who can’t afford to live there.”
Cr Jim Magee said the area was the perfect place for social housing, because it was near a major transport hub and university.
“We need to look at more ways to give people the opportunity to live in this safe and secure municipality,” he said.
But Caulfield Village development director Matthew Reszka said the council had made the “only decision” in accordance with planning controls placed on the development.
He said they’d keep working to ensure the development benefited the broader community.
“All we were seeking was ensuring the planning goalposts weren’t suddenly moved half way through a project,” Mr Reszka said.
Plans were first slated by Beck Probuild in 2014, detailing three residential and retail precincts.
MORE NEWS
Youth, experience mix to fuel Knights’ finals charge
Melbourne Knights are looking to make a return to NPL Victoria finals this season with a strong mix of youth and experience under club great Ivan Franjic.
Mayor ‘double dipping’ with $510k VCAT contract
An inner city mayor quietly earning big bucks in a taxpayer funded gig is claiming her main source of income comes from a role as Prahran’s ‘gingerbread queen’.