Double-storey homes are coming to Romsey Avenue in Sunshine North, and residents aren’t happy.
Brimbank council last week approved plans for two double-storey dwellings and two single storey on a single block in the Sunshine North street, despite objections from 10 residents.
It will be the first double-storey development of its kind in the immediate area. The closest two-storey development is on the northern side of Furlong Road.
A council report said the development was “respectful of the surrounding neighbourhood and will not detract from its character”.
One of the objectors, John Schuliga, believes the council is more attracted to getting rates than considering the area’s amenity.
“It’s out of character for the area,” he said. “The area is virtually all retirees and we tend to look after our properties.
“I think this development will encourage a few undesirables. We don’t need high-density in the area.”
Noel Inman, a Romsey Avenue resident since 1956, said the development would encourage more double-storey housing in the area.
“Once we open the gate, it’s going to be a floodgate,” Mr Inman said.
“They put a little sign in the front yard [notifying residents of the development]. If you’re driving past, you won’t see it. It should be a big billboard so that you can actually read it. They’re discreet about it, which is not really good.
“It invites the wrong sort of people into the neighbourhood. We’ve got a few renters in the street, and they’re really bad. They don’t care about the neighbourhood.”
