The residents of a cul-de-sac in the Tuggeranong suburb of Conder are angry at a proposed medium-density development which they say will destroy the very reason for moving into a quiet street.
The residents of Darebin Place have put in a formal objection over a lease variation over what used to be six blocks and its now one to permit medium density development. Previously, it was low-density with a ümaximum of six dwellings.
A notice went up on the land saying that LAND Corp would seek a change to permit a üminimum@ of six dwellings.
Tony and Judith Day, who live opposite, say the development could result in more cars and noise and danger for children, blocking of views, destruction of old trees and lowering of their property value.
The street had built up a great community spirit, as shown by the New Year’s Eve party attended by 100 residents, Mr Day said.
They and other residents say that when they bought their land-and-house packages from LAND Corp thought they would be moving into a quiet cul-de-sac of detached dwelling. After they had paid their money, they now find things will change. They say they were misled.
The chairman of LAND Corp, Alex Brinkmeyer, said all the proper processes and public consultation had taken place.
LAND Corp had bought the site as one block as a low density cluster site. With only six units, they would have averaged 900 square metres, which was far too large. The block could easily take more and LAND Corp had a right to apply for rezoning.
He thought the site would take about 11 cottage courtyard units. They would be single storey or perhaps split level. The Department of Environment Land and Planning would not allow more. The planning change had been approved and the company was now seeking a lease variation. Betterment tax would be paid.
The other residents had nothing to fear; with only 11 units the amenity of the street would not be affected.
Another resident, Neville Shelley, thought the residents could work with 10 or 11 units. However, a week ago he had asked a LAND Corp representative to come to a public meeting in the street, but he had refused because “”it had all gone through”.
Mr Shelley said if it was only to be 11 single-storey residences, then it should be written into the lease and other residents would accept it. He and other residents would be very sceptical of a lease than said a üminimum of six units because LAND Corp could give verbal assurances and after the land was sold to a builder the builder could put in as many units as he wanted with more than one-storey.
The residents were also worried about the three large gum trees on the site and the design of the units. They wanted to see what sort of units would go on the site before their objection was satisfied.
“”We want to stop it cold unless we see the plans and have something in writing,” he said. “”Then we’d be more reasonable.”