Monash Council’s decision to refuse a proposed development of 89 townhouses on a former school site in Oakleigh South has been upheld by the Victorian Civil and Appeals Tribunal (VCAT).
Council has welcomed VCAT’s affirmation of the decision following a Merits Hearing held at VCAT between 2-5 March. The decision has just been made public by the Tribunal.
At its September 2019 ordinary meeting, Council resolved to refuse the proposed development plan for the construction of the 89 two to three storey townhouses at 1 Beryl Avenue (52 Golf Road), the former Oakleigh South Primary School site. Amended plans were then circulated as part of the developer’s appeal to VCAT.
Some reasons for the refusal included finding the proposed designs inconsistent with the local policy with respect to neighbourhood character and design faults that do not allow for natural light.
Mayor Stuart James said a number of developers had put forward different proposals for the site since the land was sold five years ago but all had failed to adequately consider the surrounding neighbourhood and the impact of any development on the local community.
Cr James says this is a win for members of the neighbourhood.
“We know there has been concern from locals about this proposal and this is an important win for them. This is a significant site in Monash and we hope any future proposals will look at the neighbourhood surrounding the site and ensure any development reflects the amenity of that area,” Cr James said.
VCAT however did not agree with Council’s suggestion of preserving trees in the area.
Cr James said, “We are firm in our commitment to support residents in ensuring any proposals for this site are appropriate to the area. Disappointingly, at the Merits Hearing there were differing views around the health of several trees on this site and VCAT has not supported the retention of trees on site should a future proposal be put forward.”
