Six-storey apartment complex proposed for former Essendon retirement lodge site
A six-storey apartment complex is on the cards for a former retirement lodge site in Essendon but neighbours aren’t happy. They say the development would be the death of a cherished community space.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Neighbours have implored Moonee Valley Council to knock back a six-storey apartment complex planned for the site of a former retirement lodge.
The 48-apartment complex has been proposed for the old Mount Alexander Retirement Lodge at 955-957 Mount Alexander Rd, Essendon.
The application is due to be heard at tonight’s council meeting.
But neighbours say the development would destroy the character of the area.
Essendon’s Mary Weston, who lives next to the site, said if the development went ahead it would be just devastating.
“It’s out of character with the buildings adjacent to the complex, it’s just the height and the invasion of privacy,” she said.
“Mount Alexander Rd is already congested and we don’t need anymore high-rise developments.”
Other complaints from neighbours included the potential to block out natural sunlight, insufficient carpark allotments, an increase in noise pollution, strain on public transport and a loss of vegetation due to overshadowing.
Ms Weston said the community had a courtyard area behind the site with a herb garden, with the plants likely to perish if the development got the green light.
“Given the overshadowing it’s going to have a huge impact on the gardens with the minimal sunlight,” she said.
The angry neighbour also raised concerns over skyrocketing electricity bills due to the potential overshadowing.
“It’s not good to be making your home dark, to have to rely on electricity for light,” Ms Weston said.
She said overdevelopment was a huge issue in Moonee Valley, especially in Moonee Ponds, and was hoping Essendon wouldn’t suffer the same fate.
“People living there say how it’s just ruined Moonee Ponds,” Ms Weston said.
“We have Keilor Rd in Essendon where there are commercial properties, so why don’t you have the high rise up there where you don’t impede on people’s privacy?”
MORE: WHERE TO GET A TASTE OF THE PHILIPPINES IN FOOTSCRAY
ELECTRICAL BOX ART TELLS ABORIGINAL STORY OF WATER
WEST GATE TUNNEL ROCKS POLLUTE MOONEE PONDS CREEK
As well as housing 48 dwellings, the 1380 sqm complex would contain two commercial tenancies at ground floor and two levels of basement with 60 car spaces.
The council has already received 23 objections from 20 properties about the development.
Terrain Consulting Group, who is the developer for the complex, was contacted for comment.