By MELISSA MEEHAN
FOR people like Lang Baulch’s parents, the ability to subdivide their property is the difference between staying in the community and being forced to move away.
The Mount Evelyn resident says without the ability to split their land, they have no other choice.
This week Yarra Ranges residents should have received a letter from the council asking for their views in relation to possible changes to the Low Density Residential Zone proposed by the State Government.
The changes would reduce the minimum subdivision size for new lots from 4,000 square metres (one acre) to 2,000 square metres (half an acre) provided the lot is connected to reticulated sewerage and not a septic system.
The application for a subdivision would still need to go to council and be granted a permit.
Mr Baulch said less than seven per cent of lots in LDRZ areas (that are 4000 sqm or greater) in the Yarra Ranges would be able to may potentially benefit from the changes, it was important that the council supported it.
“It wouldn’t affect neighbourhood character,” he said.
“But it would allow for more continuity in terms of towns.”
He said in some towns there were smaller lots beside bigger properties that were scattered through the Ranges.
“For example in Old Hereford Road in Mount Evelyn, there are many smaller lots beside my parents’ place,” he said.
“So for them to subdivide, it would only mean one extra house and wouldn’t affect the neighbourhood.”
He said it was important that these changes were passed, saying that it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for it to happen.
“We have an aging population, especially in Mount Evelyn,” he said.
“To be able to give these older residents an opportunity to be able to stay in their community, keep their links with friends and family, without causing any real changes to the neighbourhood – I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
Upwey resident and man about town Peter Marke said the proposed changes were an excellent idea.
“Hopefully it will enable older people to divide their property and stay here – it’s certainly a fantastic idea,” he said.
“It’s good for Upwey, at least in terms of sustainability for the town.”
He said Upwey and other towns were crying out for something like this, and now that the council had the opportunity they should take it with both hands.
“Unfortunately the size of the allotments are still a little big,” he said.
“There are only a few larger blocks that it applies to.
“Where it applies is a good thing. But the council needs to take it a step further.”
BOX
The number of lots in the Low Density Residential Zone 4,000sqm and greater
Belgrave 68
Monbulk 51
Montrose 88
Mount Evelyn 96
Selby 11
Tecoma 18
Upwey 65
Upper Ferntree Gully 6
