By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A state planning tribunal has approved a multi-townhouse project in Springvale despite Greater Dandenong Council’s objections.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) member Tracy Watson said the seven double-storey attached dwellings at 7 Kelvin Grove were consistent with the neighbourhood character.
The Residential Growth zone allowed for buildings up to four storeys, and more intense development near Springvale Activity Centre and railway station, Ms Watson said in her decision on 30 January.
“The subject site is also located in the mid-section of a small no-through road which is already relatively intensely developed.”
Currently, a single dwelling occupies the 858-square-metre site.
But two-storey buildings were “commonplace”, with just one other property used as a single dwelling, Ms Watson noted.
The proposed rear setback was apt, given the large playing field at Springvale Park Special Development School abutting the site.
Greater Dandenong objected that the project would have an unacceptable impact on neighbourhood character.
The council argued against the building’s ‘footprint’ and mass, as well the lack of landscape setbacks to the side and rear.
Ms Watson said it was reasonable, in context with the surrounds, to “confine the canopy tree planting to the front garden”.
Greater Dandenong was ordered to reimburse the applicant $2162 for failing to decide upon the permit application within the 60-day statutory timeframe.
Ms Watson said there was no reasonable justification for the delay.
