Lara estate plan to VCAT
Council’s support likely
GEELONG’S residential sprawl is set to continue expanding, with the city’s planning panel poised to support the addition of almost 100 new houses to a growing residential development in Lara.
But, the final decision will lie with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), after Geelong Council failed to make a decision within the required time frame.
Oreana Property Group had submitted a planning application for approval to develop land on Manzeene Ave in Lara to make way for 89 new homes, expanding the Manzeene Village estate in the rapidly-growing suburb’s western fringe.
The 22,000sq m site is proposed to include 84 single-storey houses — 51 two-bedroom, 27 three-bedroom and six fourbedroom — as well as five double-storey, four-bedroom homes.
The City of Greater Geelong Council’s planning committee will meet next
Thursday to vote on a recommendation to support the application at a VCAT hearing.
“The application was assessed against the relevant policies of the planning policy framework and found to be an acceptable response to policies that support housing diversity and affordability,” the planning committee report noted.
“Whilst it is noted that the location at this current time does not have the ideal provision of community services and infrastructure, this will become available when the Lara West Growth Area adjacent progresses.
“It is recommended that the proposal be considered worthy of support by council at the forthcoming VCAT hearing subject to conditions.”
After a public notification period for the application, 53 submissions were received.
“Submissions raised concerns for density of development; lack of response to neighbourhood character; traffic generation and carparking concerns; decline in property value; and concern for future occupant quality,” the report noted.
Due to the development plan overlay on the site, submitters do not have rights of appeal to VCAT.