Tribunal rejects ‘cash grab’

– Shaun Inguanzo
NOBLE Park residents have sent a strong warning to developers trying to cram units on to residential blocks after a resounding victory in a civil tribunal.
Residents who objected to a proposed three-unit double-storey development in Guild Avenue now say the unexpected victory will change the face of future development in the area.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruled on 10 July to cut the Guild Avenue development to two units each with double garages.
VCAT member AJ Quirk said he believed the three units were nothing but a grab for cash.
“While I can understand developers wishing to maximise their returns, often this is done at the expense of good design,” his ruling stated.
“In this situation I believe that is what has occurred.”
Selby Avenue resident Geoff Draper, who presented to VCAT, said residents would use the precedent to combat other large-scale residential developments in the area.
“We won more than what we thought we would get,” he said. “Now whatever the developer puts there is still a win for our future.”
Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon, who helped residents compile their case, said the VCAT victory showed residents still had power in planning decisions.