Residents in Hawthorn are pushing back against a proposed seven-story apartment complex, expressing concerns over planning processes and potential vacancies.
Community Concerns Over Development Plans in Hawthorn
In Hawthorn, local MP John Pesutto and a group of concerned residents are voicing strong opposition to recent state planning decisions. Their primary worry revolves around the planned demolition of two historic properties located at 98-104 Riversdale Rd. These properties are set to be replaced by a proposed seven-story apartment complex, yet no planning permit has been secured for the new development.
Historic Homes at Risk
The Riversdale Residents Group is apprehensive that the demolition will leave the site vacant for an extended period, which is particularly alarming given Melbourne's current housing crisis. The fate of the two buildings, once home to Dementia Australia, reflects broader concerns about heritage preservation in the context of rapid urban development.
Jane Nathan, chair of the Riversdale Residents Group and former mayor of Hawthorn, remarked on the anxiety surrounding this process: “We are worried that the buildings could be razed, simply leaving vacant land in their place for a lengthy period.” Her comments underscore a growing frustration among residents about the potential for the area to endure prolonged disruption without any development progress.
Political Reactions and Planning Processes
MP John Pesutto characterized the government's decision-making timeline as alarming. He indicated that the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, will have a mere 13 days to evaluate this comprehensive planning matter after receiving formal input from Boroondara Council, ahead of the caretaker mode that commences on November 3 due to upcoming elections. This tight timeframe raises serious questions about thorough assessment and community input in the planning process.
Pesutto referred to the demolition permit approval as "outrageous," suggesting that it reflects a more extensive issue of neglecting community interests in favor of hastily pushing through developments. He stated, “A desperate government is slamming complex planning decisions through in its final days without proper consideration of issues and in a way that poses significant integrity risks.”
Development Timeline and Impact
The application for the redevelopment is being reviewed under the state government’s Development Facilitation Program. However, this has not alleviated resident concerns about what could happen if the developers do not move forward with construction. Nathan highlighted the risk inherent in not requiring developers to commit to timelines, particularly given they lack an approved planning permit: "You can’t require a developer to actually build within a certain period of time or at any time at all."
Should the planning permit not be issued, these properties could remain vacant, leaving Dementia Australia with an empty site and contributing to the ongoing housing supply crisis.
Heritage and Community Resistance
The three buildings involved include one heritage-listed property that developers plan to convert into a medical center. While the dual proposals are aimed at accommodating community needs, many residents are concerned about the height, scale, and overall character of the new development. Mr. Pesutto and Nathan's positions echo broader resident desires to see historical properties preserved rather than demolished.
With the local council set to discuss the issue, attention will focus on how concerns about height limits, heritage impacts, and residential amenity will be addressed in the upcoming planning decision-making process.
Next Steps in the Planning Process
A spokesperson for Boroondara Council indicated that the council will provide formal submissions addressing various concerns regarding the application, including the proposed height and impact on local characteristics. The community awaits clarity on how their voices will be integrated into the decision-making process, particularly with ongoing calls for the preservation of historic sites in the neighborhood.
As the planning debate intensifies, residents are encouraged to provide feedback to the Department of Transport and Planning before the October 15 deadline. The outcome of this proposed development may set important precedents for future planning in Hawthorn and similar neighborhoods across Melbourne.
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