Objector left in the shade- Rodney Newton is angry that a double storey unit has been approved for the block next door to him. 66837 Picture: Stewart Chambers

By Bridget Cook
A CRANBOURNE man is “furious” that the Casey Council has approved a double-storey dwelling to go up on the land next to his home while he was away for three months.
Lorna Street resident Rodney Newton said a two-storey unit block had been approved for the land next door to his home, which already has a house on it.
Mr Newton said what he was most angry about was that he was away on a holiday for three month during the consultation period, and was unable to object to it.
He said he would have objected to the building for a number of reasons.
“The building will shade the front of my house up until about midday,” he said.
“I have solar water panels on my roof which will be shaded.
“They will now be a waste of money.
“It is also going to cost me more to heat up my home and will be dark and gloomy during winter.”
Mr Newton said he had rang the council to object to it, but was advised that it was too late.
City of Casey manager planning Duncan Turner said that a planning permit was issued for an additional two-storey dwelling at 52 Cochrane Street, Cranbourne, after the application was advertised to all adjoining owners in accordance with legislative requirements.
“No objections were received from Mr Newton during the advertising process and the application was assessed as in accordance with State Government residential design standards, including those relevant to the potential impact on the resident’s property, such as setback, overlooking and overshadowing,” he said.