By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council has largely resisted a push for smaller subdivisions in its northern bushfire-prone areas.
In its proposed Planning Amendment C198, the council largely retained minimum subdivision sizes of 0.4 hectares in leafy parts of Lysterfield South, Narre Warren North, Endeavour Hills and Harkaway.
Residents had pushed for re-zoning to halving the minimum lots of 0.2 hectares.
However, Casey has agreed to smaller lots in an up-market housing estate to the south-east of Heatherton Road and Hallam North Road, in response to “many” submissions including a 51-signature petition.
It allow smaller lot sizes in housing estates surrounding Fox Road due to a majority of favourable submissions.
In the former case, they were responding to
Both are subject to an investigation on connection to sewerage services, and a possible introduction of a Significant Landscape Overlay.
Councillor Rosalie Crestani said the council had been responsive to what the majority of residents wanted in their areas.
“I believe council officers achieved the right balance. We’ve been very thorough about it.
“Keep in mind some of the subdivisions may not happen for years to come.”
Cr Crestani said further subdivisions were knocked back in areas next to bushfire-prone areas.
“We can never forget that we’re surrounded by fire-prone areas in Four Oaks Ward. Safety is paramount and we’re ensuring we’re governing it well.
“When you’re talking about doubling the density of housing, it throws up extra challenges.”
Amendment C198 also encourages higher-density neighbourhoods and multi-storey apartments in other parts of Casey, particularly near activity centres and public transport.
Planning Panels Victoria is expected to hear upon the proposal in coming weeks.
