A huge housing development could be constructed in the heart of Daylesford if plans are approved by Hepburn Shire Council.
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The plans to transform a hobby farm with an existing dwelling at 17 Smith Street Daylesford into a 53-lot subdivision would be one of the biggest developments in the town in many years.
The land is situated next door to St Michael's Primary School and just up the road from the only high school in the region, Daylesford College.
The plans, drawn up by Melbourne-based Niche Planning Studio, are currently at the advertising stage on the council's website.
In order to make room for the 53 houses on the 4.88 hectare property several trees including two manna gums may need to be removed.
A large oak tree at what would be the entrance to the development is also marked for potential removal.
The planning application states the proposed subdivision and development of the site "seeks to create a high-quality neighbourhood, located in close proximity to Daylesford Town Centre".
The plans indicate the lot sizes range from 549 metres squared to 979 metres squared and are connected by tree-lined roads.
Smith Street resident Lesley Corcoran lives in one of the houses in front of the proposed development and was "horrified" when she saw the yellow sign nailed to the front of the property on Monday.
It's just powered by total greed. We are a little country town that has a lot of development going on at the moment.
- Lesley Corcoran
The street has seen a lot of development in recent years with a smaller development built at the college end of the street a number of years ago and a 30 lot development approved for next to it only months ago.
Since becoming aware of the planning application Ms Corcoran has been door knocking up and down the street to make other residents aware of the proposal and to ask them to lodge objections.
She does not have a problem with the property being developed but believes 53 houses with only one road in and out is extreme and poses too many risks.
She has concerns about the increase in traffic in the area as well as the danger posed if there was a fire, as there would be chaos with so many people trying to flee on one road.
She has lived in Hepburn Shire for more than 30 years and wants the over-development to be stopped.
Daylesford is a great township and we don't want it to end up like Caroline Springs or Hoppers Crossing.
- Lesley Corcoran
"People don't come to the country to live in places like that. We don't want to be the city here, we are just a country town with a nice feel."
She hopes an agreement can be made to cut down the amount of houses proposed in the plans.
Former resident Susie Mitchell, who grew up in Smith Street and whose parents still live there, said she understood the need for development but that the access should not be from Smith Street, which is already congested with traffic coming and going from the two schools.
The application states the "proposed subdivision will not have a detrimental impact on the current function of Smith Street" but Ms Mitchell said increased traffic on the street was inevitable.
How can you have people from 53 lots coming out onto a street that has a college and a primary school and not have any detrimental effect.. It will have a major impact.
- Susie Mitchell
She is also concerned about the old oak tree at the front of the farm, which she said has been there since she was a school girl.
The tree has particular significance to her as she learnt to whistle with an acorn that had fallen from the tree as a girl.
"It's a fair world out there but it would be sad to see the old tree go and congestion on that road," Ms Mitchell said.
Property developer Joseph van Dyk said the design of the houses would be in keeping with the character of the Daylesford area.
Mr van Dyk, who is also developing the Nightingale apartments in Ballarat, said the housing design would be sustainable with plans to use drainage pipes from recycled plastic and to lay the asphalt on the roads from recycled rubber.
The development will be highly sustainable with recycled materials and large lots.
- Developer Joseph van Dyk
He said a traffic report had also been prepared that indicated traffic on Smith Street would not be negatively affected.
He is keen to engage with the community to create a unique development that will enhance the town.
The bold plans come after the council approved a $50 million lakeside resort on the Daylesford-Trentham Road late last year.
Hepburn Shire Council is currently conducting a review into its Hepburn Planning Scheme which includes what development is allowed. Community consultation is currently taking place around the shire. Visit the council website for more information and dates.
Visit https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/applications-on-advertising/ to read the application or make an objection. Objections are open until October 15.