A band of Tarneit residents have reacted angrily to plans for double-storey units in their estate.
Thirty-seven objections have been lodged with Wyndham council over a planning application to build 13 double-storey units on an Onyx Way block in Tarneit’s Ridge estate. The block, which is 1995 square metres (just under half an acre) is presently vacant.
Star Weekly spoke with several residents from the Ridge estate about the planning application, with many fearing that, if approved, the units would be an eyesore. Residents were also concerned that the units would be rented and devalue neighbouring properties, and spawn increases in crime, rubbish, and congestion on local roads.
“Many of our blocks are 500 square metres-plus and we’ve bought [for] the very reason of having a bit of space around us – not these units/houses built on top of one another when there is plenty of land around to do that elsewhere,” resident Kylie said.
Melanie added: “We do not want units in our estate, period.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, believes Tarneit is starting to look like a housing commission estate.
He said most locals weren’t aware of the plans until he had doorknocked the area, and believes only four residents were officially contacted by the council for consultation.
Wyndham council city operations director Stephen Thorpe said residents would have the chance to raise their concerns to councillors and the developer at an upcoming town planning forum, which will be held once the public notification period is finished.
“After the town planning forum, a report will be prepared for a decision on the application to be made at an ordinary council meeting.
Mr Thorpe said the council had contacted residents who live in, or own, properties that adjoin the site, in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act.
