Around a third of housing developments in Greater Bendigo came from “mum and dad subdivisions”, but a number of parcels of disused Crown land have been identified as housing solutions of the future.
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City of Greater Bendigo strategy manager Trevor Budge said the number of private subdivisions, where one lot was turned into three in Bendigo for example, was markedly higher than other regional areas, which were closer 10 per cent.
As such, the council was refining its residential strategy plan, according to Mr Budge, who said up to 30 Crown land sites were of interest.
Old school sites – like Golden Square Primary School and Golden Square Secondary College – along with the former La Trobe University block in Flora Hill, were being considered.
As were disused plots of Crown land closer to the CBD, such as Chum Street, next to the St John of God Hospital.
The sites – ranging in size from 41 – 0.5 hectares – are complicated by potential contamination, like mine tailings, which is residue left over from the mining process.
The process of identifying, signing off and eventually selling Crown land was a long, and at times arduous one, said Mr Budge, who suggested the state government was aware of the need to reinvigorate these unused parcels.
Not all the sites would be suitable for medium-density development, Mr Budge said, but it was an indication the city was aware of a need for greater diversity in its housing market.
It was unlikely the city would buy the Crown land, according to Mr Budge, who said the land could be offered to developers via auction, or private sale.
A refined housing development plan will be put before councillors at the June 21 meeting.
Meanwhile, plans for a large, greenfield housing development site in Strathfieldsaye have been lodged with the City of Greater Bendigo.
The site on Emu Creek Road, will be transformed into 119 lots, ranging in size from 8.2 hectares to 500 square metres, if approved.
The proposal – prepared by Spiire Australia on behalf of Mernda Land Subdivision PTY Ltd – plans to build allotments largely between 533 and 1503 square metres.
Almost six hectares of native vegetation will be cleared if the development is approved.
According to the planning proposal: “The site will increase the availability of residential land to meet the projected growth within Strathfieldsaye.”
The site sits within general residential and low density residential zoning areas decreed by the City of Greater Bendigo, meaning some lots will vary in size.