Covenant to remain

An application to remove a covenant from a Rangeview St, Warragul property has been refused.

Twelve objectors opposed an application to remove a covenant from the property at 44 Rangeview St, which would allow development of more than one house on the land.

Baw Baw Shire planning staff recommended council refuse the application, saying they were not satisfied neighbouring property owners would not suffer any detriment.

The 799 square metre site currently contains a dwelling with a reduced setback, therefore creating a large backyard.

Planners said removing the covenant would allow the owner to construct a second house on the lot, or larger unit development, and therefore detrimentally impact the local area’s character.

The covenant is registered on the property title.

The objections related to adverse impact on neighbourhood character, setting a precedent for unit development in the local area and property devaluation.

Cr Darren Wallace said he totally supported the planners’ recommendation.

“The covenant prohibits construction of more than one dwelling on the land, it’s very simple.

“Once they (covenants) are created, they have long term consequences. Rangeview St would have looked very different when this was imposed.

Cr Joe Gauci said there were a lot of large lots available in that area for infill development.

But, in this case, he said council’s hands were tied.

Cr Michael Leaney said there were a lot of people in that area that appreciated the protective covenant on the site.