At the first Markham Estate redevelopment information session on Wednesday 16 November, there was a large turnout of residents keen to let the State Government know of their concerns about the massive development planned for the site in Markham Avenue Ashburton.
The State Government plans to redevelop the land, providing a small increase in the number of public housing units together with 190 private units in buildings up to seven storeys high, for a total of 252 dwellings. The information session at the Ashburton Library was organised by the Victorian Government’s development agency, Places Victoria.
Solway ward Councillor, Garry Thompson, and Council officers attended to listen to resident’s feedback.
“Our community wants to have a say on the future of this site. Residents have voiced deep concerns about the potential impact of the 252-units on the neighbourhood. They feel that there are too many private dwellings proposed and the size and height of the buildings will have a massive impact on the neighbours, the park and the area in general,” Cr Thompson said.
“The community is supportive of the provision of much-needed public housing. However, they are perplexed by the scale of the development required to deliver an insignificant increase in the number of public housing units from 56 to 62.”
“We also heard concerns about the impact of the proposed redevelopment on neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking, the impact on the established trees that are bordering the site as well as the traffic expected to be generated and the lack of car parking on site.”
“It is very disappointing that the Minister for Planning intends to make himself the decision maker in this case and to deny residents and the Council the objection and appeal rights that would normally apply.”
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