Empty blocks at Morriss Road, Warrnambool.
THIRTY housing units will be squeezed into a vacant strip of land off Morriss Road in Warrnambool’s west, alarming some neighbours, but winning the green light from city councillors.
Many of the buildings will be double-storey in a predominantly single-storey neighbourhood.
Despite concerns from nearby residents about invasion of privacy, loss of rural outlook, degrading real estate values and safety, the council’s planning department and six of the seven city councillors backed the project.
Cr Jennifer Lowe described it as a clever design.
“It’s definitely not cheap, but clever and complies with design and development codes,” she said.
Cr Rob Askew said the site had been vacant for a long time and the project would assist with affordable housing.
“The developer will be using designs and building materials to keep costs affordable,” he said. “It was never intended to be a low-standard construction.”
Cr Peter Hulin also said it was good to see smart designs by developers.
The only opponent was Cr John Harris, who described the design as overdevelopment of a small area in a nice streetscape.
“There’s not a lot of room for vehicles to go around and garbage trucks will be reversing a long way,” he said.
“There are genuine concerns about traffic.”
Another in-fill development to create four lots on Aberline Road opposite Brierly reserve was approved unanimously.
Earlier a project to build two townhouses and a laundry on Banyan Street north was given the go-ahead with a unanimous vote to issue a notice of decision to grant a permit.
This gives the five objectors opportunity to decide if they will appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The project also involves demolition of a carport and external alterations to existing units.
pcollins@standard.fairfax.com.au