By Kyra Gillespie
Developer giant Parklea has accused planning authorities of serious oversights in their designing of a new suburb mooted for Pakenham’s East.
Parklea is the developer behind the ambitious plan to turn 630 hectares of farmland on Pakenham’s eastern fringe into an estate that will be home to over 20,000 people.
A number of elements of the proposed estate have already copped criticism, including its housing density; with plans for four storey walk-ups sparking “battery humans” fears.
In a public statement, Parklea has claimed it’s been “hamstrung” by State Government rules governing density.
Sales and Marketing Manager Jarod Mills said the company is not “interested in creating ghettos.”
“It is the authorities who are mandating higher density requirements,” Mr Mills said.
“We would love more discretion on lot sizes per hectare, which is reflected in the streetscapes of Timbertop.”
The local developer also said a unique opportunity has been missed to provide Pakenham and the wider region with vital transport infrastructure.
Echoing concerns of Ryan Road residents, Mr Mills said the company was disappointed that authorities had rejected an early plan to include a new arterial road through the centre of the Pakenham East development with an overpass and interchanges on and off the Princes Freeway.
The proposed road would have connected to Bald Hill Road at the south and provided access to a potential new train station at Pakenham East.
Mr Mills said Parklea put this proposal to Cardinia Shire Council in 2013 suggesting funds could be sought from the State Government’s Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) scheme to pay for the interchange.
“Our plan would have provided another point of access to the freeway other than Racecourse Road,” Mr Mills explained.
“The infrastructure would have been built up front and would have ensured that the community got the benefit of GAIC. We felt that under our plan urban growth contributions could have made a positive contribution to the wider Pakenham community.”
Instead the council has opted to upgrade Ryan Road to an urban collector road.
The council’s preferred location for a new railway station is also on Ryan Road.
Mr Mills said he understood the fears and frustrations of residents who live along Ryan Road.
“As a developer we support the wider community and take into account their concerns. We are sensitive to the impact of development on the wider community.”
Mr Mills cited Parklea’s work with the Nar Nar Goon community on developing a strategic plan to make sure the character and liveability of the town is protected as the Pakenham East development progresses.
“We have tried our best to get some really good outcomes for the community. Our original plan has been an opportunity lost. A new arterial road can’t be retro fitted once the development starts.”
Parklea has also scrapped the working title of Pakenham East, officially introducing the large residential estate as Ridgelea Estate.
Parklea hopes to start selling land at Pakenham East in 2020.
