Keilor must retain its village identity as Brimbank council considers new directions for the area, according to Keilor Historical Society president Susan Jennison.
A few weeks after the council finalised its Keilor Village Vision document – designed to reflect resident aspirations for a sustainable community and guide development for the next 20 years – Mrs Jennison said she hoped the area’s heritage would be respected.
“Keilor Village needs to be retained … this is of primary importance,” she said.
“The retention of the village landscape and … residential areas not being imposed upon by high structures peering down at single-storey homes, for instance.’’
Mrs Jennison said the Keilor Historical Society had worked for many years to promote and protect the area’s history.
‘‘The heritage can only be respected and preserved if planning documents anchor their ideas on this primary focus of keeping and maintaining that which is special about this area,” she said.
The council document reveals a lack of adequate pedestrian crossings on the Old Calder Highway, limited bus connections, “tired” street furniture and poor footpaths.
The plan floats the idea of a roundabout at the intersection of the Old Calder Highway and Flora Street, and the possible addition of a small supermarket in the village.
The council plans to introduce a ‘‘design and development’’ overlay that would restrict building heights to two and three storeys, depending on location.
It has submitted an application to amend the planning scheme to Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
