By Rowan Forster
A proposed high-rise tower in Pakenham’s CBD could see the suburb follow in the overdeveloped footsteps of Box Hill, fed up ratepayers fear.
Cardinia Shire’s planning department has received a planning application for an eight-storey tower on James Street, encompassing two lots, by proponent Yoke Yee Cheng of Mezz Group.
While details surrounding the permit remain scarce, the revelation has reignited debate surrounding building heights.
The site, 48 James Street, occupies a weatherboard property and a disused office space.
It is surrounded by residential properties.
When put to auction by Facey Industrial Commercial in 2017, it was revealed that the property had been zoned for mixed use, permitting high-density housing.
Neighbours have taken exception to the brazen bid by the applicant.
“Have they not driven out here and had a look around, and realised that a skyscraper would be extremely out of place,” Central Pakenham’s Ryan Dugdale said.
“I think I speak for most people when I say that I wouldn’t want someone eight-storeys high looking into my yard, nor would I want a monstrosity blocking any sunlight from my property.
“This isn’t Box Hill and if they think they can turn Pakenham into Box Hill, they should think again.”
Lodged in December, the works have an estimated cost of $13 million.
Due to the scale of the development, it will likely undergo thorough community consultation stages before it is deliberated upon by councillors and planning officers.
The building boom in Box Hill began when Whitehorse Council first approved a six-storey development many years ago.
In the past five years, dozens of towers, some reaching as high as 36 levels, have been built or approved.
Emma Goldeen said it would be a shame if Pakenham were to follow suit.
“Pakenham’s appeal is that it is kind of like a regional town, while also being part of Melbourne,” she said.
“I can list off a dozen places where it would make more sense to do this, but I guess they want to target those who want to live on the fringe.”
Cardinia Shire has requested further information about the development from the applicant.
