Wednesday, November 26, 2008

More success at Council

Last night was a most successful meeting at council for us, as all the lobbying paid off with three developments around Knox being refused. Our next door neighbor emailed all councillors about one development in Bayswater, which was a three storey development which did not fit the character of the area, open space provisions and height requirements, and her email was read into the motion of refusal.

The lobbying for No 32 Kathryn Road was also successful with our councillor, Debbie Field, moving a motion of refusal which was also enthusiastically supported by other councillors.

No 40 Kathryn Road was refused too, so overall a very successful night. We are making a difference,but we must ensure that council policy is adhered to with all planning applications. Councillors are directing their residents to us for advice, so our influence is spreading. Most developments though have gone to VCAT, where our fight will continue.

Our next battle is 10 Valetta Cres, where vegetation is planned to be removed for 8 double storey townhouses. 17 of these indigenous, canopy trees are 80 years or more in age. How can the planning department even consider advertising such a development in times of climate change and destruction of the few remaining wildlife corridors in our district. Neighbors behind this planned development have noted 32 different birds, some very rare to our suburb, that visit their property. Get an objection form today and submit your objections to this senseless development.

It’s going to be difficult to save Knoxfield as we know it, but it will be a fight worth the effort. If you value our suburb’s environment, act today.

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