10 Valetta Cres - Sale - VCAT

By now you would have received notification that the development at 10 Valetta Cres has gone to VCAT. You may also notice that there is a “For Sale” notice on the property. The L J Hooker website describes the property as:

DEVELOPMENT SITE

$900,000+

Superb level site of 2350sqm approx. Situated in a nice court location there is a current council application for 8 units (STCA). The current existing 3 bedroom residence would command a rental of $250 p.w. This site is convenient to public transport, schools and only a short bus ride trip to Knox City.

You may also have attended the council meeting when this development WAS REFUSED.

Is it just me or am I imagining that improvements are made to the streets just before development applications are made, especially by Planning Vision. The round-a-bout at the intersection of Kathryn-Anne Roads was improved before No 61 Kathryn - 72 Anne Road was submitted and now Valetta Cress has been improved with new kerbing and sealing of the road. Is there any coincidence that the native street trees have been removed and replaced with deciduous maple trees, thus urbanizing the environment, especially when one of our arguments is to save the 100 year old trees on this property?

This property forms an essential part of the Knoxfield Wildlife Corridor, joining the lake with the creeks south of Ferntree Gully Road. To remove these trees and replace them with double storey townhouses is just desecrating our environment. The developer is a smooth talker and performs well in VCAT. He will present arguments that the trees are so old they are dangerous, they are diseased, but will ignore the fact that they are essential for the biodiversity of the area. Further arguments will settle on the changing landscape of Knoxfield with No 7 Valetta also being approved for townhouse development and will show photographs of other double storey houses nearby.

If you are concerned about Knoxfield, especially Valetta Court and saving trees in Knoxfield, you must forward a “Statement of Grounds” to VCAT within 10 days. It is essential to take time to appear at VCAT also and present your arguments, just like you did at council. VCAT is not overpowering and everyone that wishes to speak is given an opportunity. Please give this your serious attention.