Contested sub division plans available

By CASEY NEILL
A CONTROVERSIAL Upper Ferntree Gully development proposal is now available for public comment.
Last month the Mail reported that 157-173 Glenfern Road’s owners had submitted a planning application to split the two lots into five, averaging 13 acres each.
The 77-acre property was the subject of a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) appeal last year after the council rejected plans to divide it into seven lots.
On 17 November VCAT ruled that it should not be split into seven parcels but: “we want to make it clear that we do not agree with any suggestion that this land should remain un-subdivided”.
So last month its four owners lodged a new application they said was good for the community and the environment.
It includes 3000 new trees, does not remove any existing trees, and donates 10 acres of land along Ferny Creek to the council.
Knox City Council has so far received two submissions in the proposal’s favour and none against.
City development director Angelo Kourambas said submissions should be lodged with the council by 11 June.
“However, council will consider any submission lodged before the application is decided,” he said.
The application can be viewed at the council’s Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South. Submissions must be made in writing to Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, 3152.
Save the Glenfern Green Wedge/Cattle Run is urging people to sign an online petition calling on Knox City Council to oppose it.
More than 700 people have liked the group’s Facebook page, which calls for help to save the “environmentally important and unique, heritage and trust-listed land from subdivision and development, for future generations of Australians to enjoy”.
The group said the land was adjacent to two flora and fauna reserves, was part of an important wildlife corridor, and was the last remaining undeveloped section of Ferny Creek.