Planning system needs ‘overhaul’ after townhouse plans in Brunswick appealed to VCAT

A plan for townhouses in a quiet Brunswick street has sparked outrage over the Victorian planning process, with one Moreland councillor declaring it needs an overhaul.

Josh Barnes

less than 2 min read

December 10, 2018 - 3:00PM

Moreland Leader

Tom Forsell and Laurie Cunningham opposed development in nearby Union St in 2017. Picture: Sarah Matray

North West

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The process of Victoria’s planning tribunal has been called into question as residents in a Brunswick street prepare to fight a plan for five townhouses.

The three-storey townhouses at 6 Hennessy St would include a basement carpark and rooftop terraces.

Residents in the predominantly one-storey area fought a similar battle against an apartment building in nearby Union St last year, with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruling against the plan.

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The proposal will be heard by the tribunal in March after it was failed to be seen by Moreland Council within 60 days of the plans being submitted.

Tom and Vanessa Forsell and Laurie Cunningham fought a similar battle nearby last year. Picture: Sarah Matray

The developer, Metropol Planning Solutions, declined to comment when contacted by the Leader.

North West Ward councillor Dale Martin said allowing developers to bypass residents and the council was undemocratic.

“As a council group we try and represent the views of the community and to cut us out is ridiculous,” he said.

“The system is rigged against residents, it needs an overhaul.”

Moreland councillor Dale Martin wants change in the VCAT process Picture: Ellen Smith

A letter written to the tribunal by council urban planner Renee Ragozzino states the council does not support the development because setbacks on the building “do not respect” the character of the neighbourhood and there is insufficient landscaping.

Nearby resident Alison Trainer said locals were fighting the proposal due to the influx of cars it would bring to the cul-de-sac and because the building would change the character of the area. “The quality of life for the people living in that building would be poor as would the impact it would have on the neighbourhood,” she said.

Ms Trainer also called for a change in the tribunal system.

“We have an elected council who are meant to review these applications,” she said. “There needs to be a way that the developers have to work in tandem with the community to find compromises.”