Kangaroo Flat Calder Highway development refused by Bendigo council

Councillors acknowledged Bendigo's need for more housing stock, but voiced concerns about over-development and removal of native vegetation.

Councillor Rod Fyffe said the Calder Highway development was "way over the top", saying applicants needed to go back to the drawing board.

Other news:

"It is an over-development without any shadow of doubt," Cr Fyffe said.

"I reckon it would struggle even if it was in the centre of town, the way that all of the trees have been removed, just absolutely full of housing and unfortunately the housing is very similar."

Staff recommended council refuse the application for 5718 Calder Highway, because it would result in removal of excessive native vegetation, did not protect neighbourhood character and it failed to support the highway entrances policy.

A failure in the proposal to provide convenient visitor party, diversity of dwellings or to respond to the context of the site were also given as grounds for refusal.

Councillor Andrea Metcalf said most concerning was the proposal to remove native vegetation on site, as she moved to support the recommendation.

Cr Metcalf said claims of inconsistency from the applicant were reasonable, given the extent of vegetation allowed to be removed from a nearby site in a vote in May 2018.

She said she had voted against that at the time, and viewing aerial photographs of the area only strengthened her concern now.

Cr Metcalf said arguments about diversity of dwellings were less persuasive, as she had seen many applications approved with a similar mix of properties.

Councillor Dave Fagg said Bendigo had an urgent need for housing stock, but the development's density was an over-development for the area.

Councillors Greg Penna and Margaret O'Rourke also voiced their concerns about the proposed development.

The proposed development sits on the eastern side of the Calder Highway, in a general residential zone and within the bushfire management overlay. It's total area is 14,140 square metres.

The City of Greater Bendigo received six objections to the proposal, with grounds including increased density, noise, traffic and effect on property values.

The proposed development incorporated 20 three bedroom homes, eight four bedroom homes and five two bedroom homes, with an additional study of the same dimensions as an extra bedroom.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.