‘Slum’ dodge in the air

By Casey Neill
KNOX councillors have approved a seven unit development at their meeting last Tuesday (24 March) despite warnings that the plan would turn the area into a slum.
Baird Ward councillor Peter Cole tried to block the application for seven three-storey town houses in Rosella Avenue, 45 metres from Dorset Road.
But a majority of his colleagues said the development was appropriate for the site, which is within walking distance of schools, Boronia Railway Station, parkland and shops.
Cr Cole said the buildings would damage amenity and neighbourhood character.
“Boronia will become slums,” he said. “This is a disgrace.”
Cr John Mortimore said the development was consistent with the council’s Boronia Structure Plan.
“I’m not in favour of high density development,” he said. “But we can either have it in the right areas, or the State Government will tell you where they will be.”
He said the townhouses would provide other homes with a barrier to neighbouring commercial premises and Dorset Road and did not obstruct views of the hills.
Cr Adam Gill said the council needed to provide developers with some level of certainty. “We’ve got to support applications that are in the right location,” he said.
Cr Mick Van de Vreede said the development offered housing diversity in line with the council’s housing plan and was close to public transport.
“We must adhere as best as possible to our own policies,” he said. “I think it’s the right place for a higher density development. It relieves pressure on other areas where we don’t want to see development.”