An 110-dwelling development in Derrimut has been given the greenlight by Brimbank council despite one councillor claiming the project failed the “community test”.
Brimbank councillors approved the development at 27a Palmer Parade during the June 17 council meeting.
Council officers had recommended a permit for the development be approved subject to a list of conditions, however Cr Daniel Kruk proposed extra conditions be added to the permit. His motion was backed eight votes to three.
The extra conditions proposed by Cr Kruk included plans to incorporate extra screening or window glazing onto upper level windows facing a nearby school, the addition of a hard-surfaced outdoor communal area for recreational activities, and an added requirement for a road safety audit of the site’s access points.
Council received 269 objections to the project. Residents raised concerns the housing development would limit parking, increase traffic congestion, reduce privacy, and put a strain on already limited public services and amenities in the area.
Cr Kruk said he hoped to “strike a balance” with the extra conditions.
Cr Maria Kerr was one of three councillors who opposed the application.
She said the application “may meet planning scheme requirements on paper” but “clearly fails the community test”.
“This proposal is a repeat of one that was previously rejected… While it’s been revised it still fails to address the core issues raised by both VCAT [Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal] and residents.
“We cannot keep approving developments that push our infrastructure to the brink and expect our community to simply absorb this impact.”
Locals took to Facebook to discuss the approved development..
In a community Facebook group, one Derrimut local stated that “mid-rise apartments in Derrimut might actually help solve the housing problems”.
“Not everyone needs — or can afford — a McMansion with a huge backyard.
“More diverse housing options mean more people can afford to live in the area, including younger families, essential workers and downsizers.”
In a comment, Mohamed Aboushamah – a Derrimut resident who lives 250 metres from the development site – acknowledged “there are some real and valid concerns” about the development “that deserve careful consideration”
“Derrimut has been planned and lived in as a low density suburb with a sense of space, privacy, and quiet streets. This scale of high density development feels out of step with that identity and could set a concerning precedent,” he wrote.
“I’ll be seeing the backs of these townhouses from my property and will likely struggle with limited bus services and traffic every day.”
