Land strategies divide

Push for infill development attracts opposition

MORE than 1200 permits to subdivide Geelong land have been granted by City Hall since 2015, data reveals.

But the number of permits granted each financial year has fallen more than 25 per cent since the end of the 2015-16 financial year.

This is despite city thinktank G21 calling for almost half of the region’s growth through infill development.

Geelong Ratepayers Association spokesman Andrew Senia said the group was “very worried” about the subdivision of land — with members concerned existing infrastructure would not cater for higher density living and a subsequent increase in population.

“These developments should be considered carefully rather than development purely for the sake of growth,” Mr Senia said.

Developer Ben Fabretto said builders were increasingly being approached by mumand-dad developers who were looking to subdivide blocks in popular suburbs such as Belmont, Hamlyn Heights and Bell Park.

Mr Fabretto said older people often chose to live on a sub- divided block because they could stay in their suburb but live on a small and more manageable property.

“They offer a better location, they are more close to Geelong, easily accessible to the city and subdivided properties are often more affordable,” he said.

The City of Greater Geelong issued 484 permits for subdivision in the 2015-16 financial year, 418 permits in the 2016-17 year and 362 permits in the last the financial year.

City of Greater Geelong director planning and development Joanne Van Slageren said G21 Regional Growth Plan included an aspirational target for 40 per cent of the region’s growth to occur through infill development.

G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines said community engagement conducted in 2011 showed residents were in favour of infill over new developments.

“The biggest benefit with infill development is that critical services are already connected,” Ms Carbines said.

“Water, electricity, roads, schools and other community facilities — it’s already there.

“With a greenfield development, you are starting from scratch.”