A DISPUTE over a set of footpaths and a light has caused a three-year delay for a subdivision just outside Portland.
Property owner Alan Lepp is still locked in a standoff with the Glenelg Shire over plans to build 16 homes on his rural property in Bolwarra.
Mr Lepp has accused the local government body of taking too long to green light his plans.
Mr Lepp purchased the 180-acre (73hectares) property in 2009 and decided to pour his superannuation into the project.
He was granted a permit to build in 2011 but was told he would have to build kerbs and footpaths — requirements that have since been dropped.
“I fought it straight away because it was going to cost me a million,” Mr Lepp said.
But a protracted fight over one light at the entrance to the property has seen both parties come to loggerheads.
Mr Lepp said he has been waiting over a month to hear back from the council after installing the light earlier this year.
“I’ve met with Denis Napthine over this and he’s tried his best to help us because he can see it’s ludicrous.”
A Glenelg Shire spokeswoman said Mr Lepp was not yet able to build because he had not met other requirements of the permit — a claim Mr Lepp disputes.
“Council recently met with Mr Lepp to discuss the issue and understands Mr Lepp is in the process of satisfying the safety light condition of the permit. The installation of footpaths is not required and the permit has been amended to reflect this,” the spokeswoman said.
“If Mr Lepp has a dispute that cannot be resolved with council, his next avenue would be to refer the matter to VCAT.”
