By Emma Sun
A COUPLE who have lived in the hills for most of their lives have been given the green light to build their dream home in Mount Dandenong, despite council fears of bushfire risk.
Yarra Ranges councillors had a heated debate during the meeting on Tuesday night, discussing the issue for close to an hour.
Michael Hill and his partner Judith Elliot applied for a permit to build their property on Osprey Road nearly a year ago and were knocked back by council planners on the basis that there was a significant fire risk due to “dense” vegetation, which would create a significant “threat to life and property”.
Chris Hill, Michael’s brother, said in a PowerPoint presentation to councillors that they have since obtained CFA approval, as well as DSE support and have taken precautions should a bushfire break out.
“The area was designed specifically for bushfire protection purposes – the property is easily accessible by trucks and the nearby road reserve needs minimal maintenance,” he said.
“We’re building the house from brick with no timber, double glazed, to give it some chance of survival, we’re installing two 22,500 litre water tanks and it will be an open area with no shrubs.”
Michael Hill made a heartfelt plea to councillors. “Judy and I worked extremely hard to purchase the property to build the home of our dreams,” he said.
“We both work off the hills and have always lived in the hills so we are well aware of the bushfire risk and we have one simple plan should it happen – leave.
“If we were to be refused, we would be in financial distress.”
The pair purchased the 3300 square metre block of land for about $300,000 two years ago.
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said there was no reason for councillors to reject the proposal, particularly after they allowed a Kalorama couple in similar circumstances to build their home in Scenic Crescent in December.
“We’d look silly if we said no to this one, which is ironically much safer,” he said.
“It’s a family, it’s their dream and we can’t just ruin it.”
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan strongly opposed the motion to approve the application, citing the grounds the original planning ministers pointed out.
“We have a high responsibility to listen carefully to what planning ministers are saying so I cannot and will not support this motion.”
However, it was passed with only Cr Heenan, Cr Jeanette McRae and Mayor Graham Warren opposing.
