VCAT approval to build 100 apartments in Eltham prompts Nillumbik Council to review reforms

A “DISASTROUS” planning blueprint that opened the floodgates for 100 apartments to be built in a leafy suburb in Melbourne’s north will be reviewed.

A “DISASTROUS” planning blueprint that opened the floodgates for 100 apartments to be built in the heart of Eltham will be reviewed, Nillumbik Mayor Peter Clarke says.

Nillumbik Council lost its battle in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to block Eltham Outlook Pty Ltd’s development, to be built across three separate buildings at 26-30 Pryor St and 27-29 Arthur St in Eltham, varying between three and four storeys.

Cr Clarke said it was a “bad outcome”, but the council’s hands were tied in a “difficult battle”.

He took aim at the previous council, saying it sold the subject land, then merged existing planning reforms to create amendment C106, which “lacked proper controls” and “provided the framework” for this type of development.

The developer challenged the unanimous refusal made by councillors in September 2016, after council officers suggested a permit be granted.

RELATED: Eltham apartment block on Pryor and Arthur streets rejected

VCAT this month handed down its decision to overturn the council’s refusal.

Cr Clarke said a review of planning reforms, plus parking and traffic management in Eltham, was underway, with results expected within six months.

He said the same reviews would be considered in Diamond Creek.

“The floodgates are already open (for apartment developments) and it’s a matter of how quickly can we close them,” Cr Clarke said.

Carlota Quinlan, from the Eltham Gateway Action Group, which was a respondent in the VCAT hearing, welcomed this move.

“(The) council should be proactive in ameliorating effects of a significant increase in the number of people living in one small area ... to ensure that Nillumbik keeps its prized standard of living for all residents,” Ms Quinlan said.

Eltham Outlook was unable to be contacted for comment.