Landowners on a new housing estate in Kangaroo Flat are furious with a medium-density subdivision plan that could see a further 18 houses built on a vacant block on the site’s western boundary.
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A 45-lot subdivision for Lakeside Park Estate was approved by Bendigo council in 2014, with the then vacant block in question earmarked for ‘future development’.
Some houses on the estate are in the midst of construction, with the majority of other land parcel purchases settled.
One landowner, Taryn, said some residents only became aware of the subdivision plans a couple of months ago, suggesting the lack of communication has frustrated many landowners.
"We wouldn't have purchased there if we knew it was going ahead," she said.
“So many people can't pull out because they've gone too far down the track.
“It hasn't been a comfortable experience for many of the people involved in that area.”
Another landowner, who wished to remain anonymous, has put her land up for sale.
“If it was five or six units we could deal with it, but 18 is ridiculous.”
The City of Greater Bendigo has received 15 objections to the new $2.97 million proposal, with residents concerned about smaller lot sizes, security, increased traffic and noise.
Three and two-bedroom houses are planned on the vacant block, ranging in size from 121 to 157 square metres, while existing blocks measure up between 432 and 1945 square metres.
According to development plans, the houses, which will be constructed in three stages, “will add to the diverse range of lot sizes in Bendigo required to accommodate the needs and aspirations of different groups of people”.
The development, just off Lockwood Road, is within the Bendigo urban growth boundary and is part of a larger subdivision of general residential land, the planning application states.
“The proposal will help prevent the outward sprawl and incursion into areas which council wants to protect,” the application reads.
City of Greater Bendigo statutory planning manager Ross Douglas said given the number of objections received on the planning application, the development was likely to be considered at a council meeting in 2018.
“It is not out of the ordinary for council to receive planning permit applications for subdivisions of large lots within new developments,” he said.
Objections can be received by Bendigo council at any time until a decision has been made.
The Bendigo Advertiser contacted the developer who said he was working with the City of Greater Bendigo to seek a mediation with the objectors and it would be inappropriate to comment at this point.