Residents in East Ivanhoe are fearful over future land development neighbouring their properties, which may have monumental impact on the suburb.
The 14 properties up for sale, amassed by Barrister Stuart Morris QC, are worth an estimated $30 million.
East Ivanhoe Residents Association spokesperson, Jane Moreton, said the 15,000 square metres of land would be “problematic should inappropriate development occur”.
“We’re happy for development,” Ms Moreton said. “But it’s about how you do it.”
Among the concerns of the East Ivanhoe Residents Association is the potential for significant environmental damage.
“You get developers who raze the block and then you can’t plant any trees. Take [trees] away and it’s disgusting,” Ms Moreton said.
Mr Morris tried to develop the land in 2006 while he was President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
But although plans originally showed the development of units, a four storey retirement complex was proposed, sparking objection among residents.
Now, Mr Morris has put his properties back up for sale, concerning locals who wish to avoid “one big glob of a building,” Ms Moreton said.
At present, there are no height restrictions in East Ivanhoe.
Should large-scale development occur, residents fear there will be consequences in the short and long term.
Parking, traffic, garbage collection and noise and are “just some” of the possible future implications concerning locals.
“VCAT don’t seem to care about this stuff [and] everyone’s left to pick up the pieces. People won’t see the consequences until it’s too late,” Ms Moreton said.
Local and foreign developers have expressed interest in acquiring the properties, Banyule Mayor Tom Melican confirmed.
“Banyule City Council has received queries from prospective purchasers in relation to the land.”
“While there are no mandatory height limits, any development proposal would need to comply with the Banyule Planning Scheme including Council’s Residential Neighbourhood Character Policy.”
Mayor Melican said any development applications would go through a public notification process for citizens to voice their concerns.
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