Complex fight on

By Nicole Williams
THE planning application has not yet been assessed by Greater Dandenong council, but residents are already up in arms.
A planning application proposes to transform the land at 30 MacPherson Street into a three-storey apartment complex with 12 apartments and a basement carpark, but MacPherson Street resident Tim Evans and his neighbours are already fighting against the development.
“This area has been relatively free from large developments over time, and it contains some of the nicest streets in Dandenong,” Mr Evans said.
“This development puts all that under threat.”
Mr Evans said the area had traditionally only had one home on a block which has created a ‘nice and unique neighbourhood character’.
“People don’t expect to find these sorts of homes in Dandenong,” he said.
“It’s a nicer part of Dandenong and we’re proud of that and try to keep it looking nice.”
Greater Dandenong City Planning, Design and Amenity director Jody Bosman said each development proposal put to council was considered on merit, with neighbourhood character a key element for consideration
“Council officers, in assessing the application for 30 MacPherson Street, will take into account the quality of the street’s aesthetic value,” Mr Bosman said.
“Within the Neighbourhood Character Study, MacPherson Street is recognised as a street where ‘it may be appropriate for council to insist on design and development outcomes that not meet, but significantly exceed the general design guidelines provided within the residential development and neighbourhood character study.’”
Mr Evans and his wife like the street so much that when they moved from Darwin back to Dandenong in 1997, they had their eye on MacPherson Street.
“Twelve months ago, we would have happily stayed here for another 20-30 years but these kind of developments cloud that decision. Is every home that comes up for sale in our street going to be a target for an apartment complex?” he said.