Mayor’s vote tips scale on Aspinall Street sub-division

CITY of Greater Bendigo Mayor Rod Campbell was forced to use his casting vote last night to approve the controversial 69-lot Aspinall Street sub-division.A packed public gallery of more than 70 people witnessed the voting deadlock of councillors voting on the proposed development.Flora Hill ward councillor Alec Sandner moved the motion which was seconded by Kangaroo Flat ward councillor Barry Lyons and supported by Sandhurst ward councillor James Reade. Cr Sandner moved an amendment to remove lots from Alder Street, bringing the subdivision to 69 lots.But Strathfieldsaye ward councillor Keith Reynard was outraged at what he called “clandestine” moves to push the development through.“We’re now considering effectively 'version four' and there has been no prior discussion or comment and it’s been put on the table at the last minute,” he said.“This follows what has seemed to be a clandestine and subversive manner in the way in which this application was withdrawn from the amendment back in October.“There are a number of areas where it doesn’t comply with planning requirements.“It would be a pity and an indictment on the council if this were to proceed.”Cr Cox quoted an objector’s letter and said the land was the lungs of Bendigo.“It would be environmental vandalism to destroy this beautiful bush,” he said.“I feel it is a tragic lack of judgement to consider erasing this natural treasure in the name of economic expediency.”The application to create 78 lots was lodged with the council on November 3, 2008, but the number of lots has been revised several times.The application also includes the removal of native vegetation.In October last year the land was removed from a list of properties that were before Amendment C89 to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, which seeks to implement recommendations of a study by placing restrictions on the development of 13 privately owned parcels within the Urban Growth Boundary.The council’s decision to excise the site from Amendment C89 has angered the Aspinall Action Group, which consists of mostly local residents who live near the proposed development.Strathfieldsaye ward councillor Keith Reynard, Eaglehawk ward councillor Peter Cox, Golden Square ward councillor Rod Fyffe and North West Plains ward councillor Kevin Gibbins each voted against the motion.