A PROPOSAL to create a 137-lot housing estate at Bagshot, on the eastern edge of Huntly, will go before council at next week’s ordinary meeting.
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The 13.5-hectare block of land is at the intersection of Sherwood and Wakeman roads, several hundred metres from the Viewpoint Huntly estate.
The lots range in size from 308 square metres to 704 square metres, with space for backyards and gardens and frontages of between 11 and 18 metres. Four lots will allow for medium density housing.
The land was originally designated as the fourth stage of the Huntly Township Plan, but has come to council ahead of the third stage which involved a subdivision on the edge of Viewpoint Huntly.
The development would be completed in three stages, starting at the southern end of the land.
Despite not meeting the City of Greater Bendigo’s 10-minute neighbourhood policy, council officers have recommended that a permit be granted because the land was rezoned for residential purposes.
The applicant has already taken the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after the council failed to make a decision within the statutory timeframe. The hearing is set for October 16.
In the report to council, planning co-ordinator Peter O’Brien said the development was in line with the council’s planning policies, which earmarked Huntly, Strathfieldsaye, Jackass Flat and Maiden Gully as the city’s four greenfield subdivision areas.
“The subdivision will help to support the continued growth of Bendigo within the boundaries of an established urban area,” he wrote.
“The subject land is zoned for residential purposes and has access to a water supply and sewerage services.
“The conventional layout of the subdivision will integrate with the existing neighbourhood.”
The proposal includes 1.1 acres of public reserve.
Plan to protect Bendigo’s heritage artefacts
Councillors will also consider a plan to protect Bendigo’s estimated 45,000 heritage items kept in storage by the city’s five historical societies – Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Heathcote and Huntly.
The Strategic Artefacts Report recommends establishing an “object storage and preservation facility”.
But given the costs of such a facility, a feasibility study will be complete before the council commits to the idea.
Despite mentioning the idea of a “museum” repeatedly in the report, the City of Greater Bendigo did not address whether the law courts on Pall Mall – due to be relocated in the coming years – could be converted into a museum.
In the meantime, council is set to bring in a collection policy once its audit of the historical artefacts is complete.
Three-storey dwelling proposed for Hustlers Road
A proposal for a three-storey house on Hustlers Road, near the Boundary Hotel, is likely to be rejected by council as it is “not in accordance with the residential character” of the area.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a lift would be “contemporary” with a skillion roof and is located on a steep slope.
It received one objection from a neighbour who feared it would overlook their residence, which was later withdrawn when the plans were altered.
In the report to council, planner Grace Paisley said there were a number of reasons to reject the proposal.
“While the site is well located within central Bendigo to take advantage of existing infrastructure, services and facilities, public open space, schools and transport, the proposal would result in an unacceptable planning outcome due to the inappropriate design response,” she wrote.
Read the full council agenda for September 2018 here: