Mt Eliza homeowners object to playground in their street because it will “devalue” homes
HOMEOWNERS in exclusive Mt Eliza are fighting plans for a playground in their street because they fear noisy kids will drive their house prices down.
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HOMEOWNERS in exclusive Mt Eliza are fighting plans for a playground in their street because they fear noisy kids will drive their house prices down.
The Sunset Crescent residents are unhappy with a Mt Eliza Woodlands Residents Association plan to work with the Mornington Peninsula Shire to install basic play equipment in the street’s reserve.
Forty-two objectors have signed a petition demanding the plan doesn’t get off the ground as it could lead to a “potential decline in real estate values”.
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They’re also worried about “environmental” and “traffic” impacts due to a lack of space to park cars on the narrow dirt road.
On their Facebook page the association said building a playground on the reserve would create a great meeting place for young families.
Supporters said it would be an excellent use of space that would benefit parents with small children who lived nearby.
But complainants said it was not required as many locals were older, with grown-up kids, and they preferred the reserve to be quiet.
When the Leader spoke to neighbours, none of who wanted to be identified, they said a playground wasn’t needed, and screaming noisy kids would disturb the native fauna and destroy the quiet charm of their rustic street.
They said the loud screeching sounds of children playing would upset the area’s ambience, which would put off potential buyers if they ever wanted to sell.
This is despite a March 2018 Australian National University study that found a property would actually increase in value by around five per cent if a small playground was built nearby.
The State Government encourages playgrounds as they provide children with a range of active, social, creative, imaginative and co-operative experiences.
In a petition response Mornington Peninsula Shire sport and recreation team leader Mark Stahl said they “support the need for a playground in the area”.
Shire executive strategy and climate change manager Davey Smith said any proposed new play space would be considered against other projects.
The Mt Eliza Woodlands Residents Association did not return Leader emails.
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