By Emma Xerri
Surefire Consulting has once again been unsuccessful in its attempts to receive planning approval for a multi-dwelling development in Hampton Park.
The 61 Fordholm Road property, which has already been converted from a single storey detached house into three dwellings without approval, sought retrospective approval for the works, which was ultimately denied.
Hoping to have this decision reviewed through VCAT, the applicant argued that the proposal meets the purposes of the Residential Growth Zone – Schedule 2 (RGZ2), as well as meeting the Casey Planning Scheme.
Surefire also claimed that the reduction of one on-site car parking space was justified.
However, at the hearing on 30 January, VCAT member Sarah McDonald found “three small dwellings” was too “modest” for a growth zone, which allows housing of up to four storeys.
“The proposal does not represent ‘substantial change’.
“It is a modest change that is more reflective of a modest development that might be expected in either a General Residential Zone or Neighbourhood Residential Zone.”
McDonald agreed with Casey that there was a limited number of higher-density growth zones in the municipality.
“Underdeveloping land ideally suited for housing growth and change, which is supported by the provisions and policies of the Scheme, compromises the achievement of the planning outcomes sought and is inconsistent with the orderly planning of the area.”
