HIGHTON RESIDENTS MISLED ON HEALTH FACILITY

THE Highton Residents Action Group is disappointed City of Greater Geelong council was able to grant planning permission to the Haven Foundation for it to proceed with its development on Roslyn Rd, Highton.

Under the usual planning protections, which many residents would be familiar with, a development of this size and nature would not be allowed on a residential house block surrounded by privately owned homes.

It was planning amendment 52.22, introduced by the state Planning Minister Richard Wynne, following Haven’s failed attempt to site this facility in East Geelong that has enabled it to proceed.

Under the 52.22 amendment this type of development can proceed in any residential area within Victoria without any prior notification to, or engagement with surrounding residents.

Haven has finally released the building plans and its neighbours now get to see the three-storey building soon to be erected next door.

We believe the plans show Haven has misled us.

We were told by email that the building would not be above the existing fence height. But now we can see that the whole of the third floor is above the height of surrounding fences.

This is an example of how, under previous planning law, residents would be protected from an intrusion of this nature into people’s privacy.

All of our attempts to raise legitimate concerns with council’s planning department and Haven have been ignored.

It seems we are simply “collateral damage” in this saga.

Again, we reiterate that we fully support the provision of improved mental health care facilities in Geelong. They are well overdue.

We applaud the State Government for providing the funding.

But we object to the ill-considered location, and the total lack of community engagement. More information on our concerns can be found at www.roslyn327.com.au The Highton Residents Action Group