Glen Eira councillor Joel Silver stuns chambers with objection to social housing in billion-dollar Caulfield Village development

A COUNCILLOR has stunned his Glen Eira colleagues by objecting to social housing in a new development, declaring “not in my ward”.

Cr Joel Silver objects to social housing in his ward.

A GLEN EIRA councillor has stunned his colleagues by objecting to social housing in a new development, declaring “not in my ward”.

Councillors had last night been voting on whether to push developers of the billion dollar Caulfield Village project to make good their promise to include five per cent social housing.

It came after developers won a VCAT appeal to drop the social housing component because it would cost too much.

While his colleagues expressed outrage at the VCAT decision, councillor Joel Silver was the only councillor to object to social housing, simply stating “not in my ward”.

He clarified his comment to the Leader today.

“Council need to consult the community before we take positions like this, because many Caulfield residents will simply not be comfortable with social housing at the Racecourse,’’ Cr Silver said.

“Other propositions, such as a women’s refuge or domestic violence emergency housing, would be a different matter.”

Fellow Camden ward councillor and mayor Mary Delahunty urged Cr Silver to have an “open heart” and “be generous”.

Camden ward councillor Dan Sztrajt also called for the inclusion of public housing.

“I welcome the prospect of social housing being included in new developments,” Cr Sztrajt said.

“All wards, and indeed all councils, have the responsibility to make sure we are including affordable housing for all residents.”

Councillor Jim Magee said the location was suitable because it was near a major transport hub and university.

Councillor Magee said Cr Silver’s comments were “unfortunate”.

“Everybody needs a safe place to live,” Cr Magee said.