Pascoe Vale high-rise plans before Moreland Council sparks concern

A PROPOSED seven storey apartment complex — the tallest building ever slated for Pascoe Vale — would set a dangerous precedent for the area, residents warn.

A PROPOSED seven storey high-rise — the biggest building ever slated for Pascoe Vale — would set a dangerous precedent for the area, residents fear.

A permit for 73 apartments and a rooftop terrace has been lodged with Moreland Council for 21-25 Northumberland Rd by developers Urbis.

Plans for up to 48 other homes are in various stages of planning with the council in Northumberland Rd and nearby Fawkner Rd and Grover St.

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Up to 50 locals have attended meetings to fight overdevelopment of the area, with 67 objections lodged for the planned apartment building in Northumberland Rd.

Russell Pollard, who has lived in the street for 66 years, said the council should not approve developments that would change the landscape of the area.

“Once you close the openness and this light you will not get Pascoe Vale back,” he said.

“People here are realists, we know we’re close to the city and have good amenities we just don’t want high density development.”

Northumberland Rd residents are worried about overdevelopment. Picture: Ellen Smith

Len Mann, a resident of 50 years, said parking was already difficult with commuters at nearby Pascoe Vale station clogging up the streets.

“In the busy times you’re queuing up to move in the street,” he said.

Moreland planning and economic development acting director Sue Vujcevic said Northumberland Rd and the surrounding area were listed as a residential growth zone and a neighbourhood activity centre, which allowed for increased development.

Ms Vujcevic said there was a height limit of four storeys in activity centres.

But legal advice received by Urbis director Jamie Govenlock, stated that given the slope of the three blocks, the highest point of the building from the street level would only be 13.5m and complied with height restrictions.

Brad Teal Real Estate sales agent Ursula Saba said families who used to sell homes in the inner city and move north were now starting that process in Pascoe Vale.

The application will be considered at a future council planning meeting.

Urbis did not respond to questions by Leader’s deadline.

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