Too crowded

By Jade Lawton
CARDINIA Shire Council’s decision to approve a development of 41 units has angered Pakenham residents, who plan to fight the verdict at VCAT.
Last month, the council ‘reluctantly’ passed the application for the units, which will be squeezed onto a 1.39 hectare parcel of land at the end of Hawk Avenue, off Ahern Road.
The council received almost 40 objections to the development, but the proposal was passed as some councillors feared a rejection would inevitably be overturned at VCAT.
Ironically, most of the objectors have now lodged an appeal with VCAT and will fight the plans at their own expense. One resident, Murray, said objectors were disappointed in the actions of the council with the exceptions of Crs Brett Owen and Collin Ross, who were against the application.
Both Cr Ross and Cr Owen called on their fellow councillors to act on behalf of residents rather than predicting what VCAT would do.
“We are not happy with the decision. We thank the councillors who supported us, but we are disappointed because the other councillors didn’t approve of the development yet they still wouldn’t help us, even though there were heaps of objections,” Murray said.
“So now we are representing ourselves.”
Those neighbouring the development say the units are completely out of character with the surrounding area.
Hawk Avenue, home to 10 traditional suburban blocks, is the only access point to the land.
Traffic, noise, and inadequate parking, with only five visitor car parks included in the plans, were the crux of objections.
Residents are also concerned that the approval could set a precedent of over-development in Pakenham.
“We just want to know what they were thinking. Our objections were not properly addressed,” Murray said.
“All we are after is a good development, a reasonable development for the area. This should serve as a warning to other residents – this could happen to you,” he said.