By Rowan Forster
Neighbours of a proposed $6 million estate on Ahern Road fear the development will further congest a street that is “bursting at the seams”.
The earmarked site, a 2.14 hectare reserve at 90-96 Ahern Road, would accommodate 53 units in its initial stage.
Developing firm Drouin 3 has applied to Cardinia Shire for approval, and the project has now been referred for public consultation.
Resident Noel Harding, who lives roughly 500 metres from the site, is dubious about the development’s location.
“There’s going to be, on average, a unit for every .1 of an acre of land,” he said.
“That sounds like claustrophobia to me.
“Squeezing 53 places into that area seems quite ridiculous.”
“It won’t stop until all of the traditional houses are replaced by these modern townhouses and everything looks identical.”
Developers have jostled for variety, with the estate consisting of 38 two-bedroom properties and 15 three-bedroom properties.
A total of 22 unit variations have been designed – all of which are single storey.
In a report prepared by XWB Consulting, the author claimed the proposed dwellings were “consistent with the predominant character in the area.”
“The site is considered to be an appropriate location for a medium density housing development,” it read.
For Fiona Wells, who lives further down the street, it is pleasing to see a developer taking measures to “mix it up”.
“Judging by the plan, it seems like they care more about the neighbourhood than a lot of other developers,” she said.
“It’s inevitable that these estates are going to be built, so there’s not much point in resisting.
“That said – there’s already too many in this street.”
XWB Consulting said the layout of dwellings would be designed to maintain the neighbourhood’s character.
“The development responds to (the) character by only providing single storey dwellings and to provide larger 3 bedroom dwellings fronting Ahern Road consistent with the presentation of other dwellings in Ahern Road.”
The latest proposal joins a series of medium-high density housing developments on Ahern Road.
Dynasty Real Estate has listed 18 lots for purchase while 36 properties are up for sale at Eagle Ridge Estate further down the road.
