A 74-lot subdivision in Rutherglen has been granted planning approvals despite strong reservations from councillors and community.
In a decision Indigo mayor, Sophie Price described as “frustrating”, a 74-lot subdivision in Rutherglen has been granted planning permission, despite strong community objections shared by majority of counsellors.
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This application was deferred from the August meeting to allow further discussions after the developer lodged an application with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the council’s failure to determine.
The development application for 11 Slaughterhouse Rd, Rutherglen was approved by the previous council in July 2024 even though it met with significant community opposition to “cookie cutter developments” that could be seen anywhere.
Councillors at the September meeting agreed they would not have approved the original application as it was not in keeping with the character of the town.
Cr Price told the meeting there was frustration on all accounts.
“It is frustrating for a new council to receive a previous decision for a development plan that might not be in alignment with an appetite they now have,” she said.
“There’s frustration from the developer that we’ve exceeded the time taken to assess the planning application, hence them taking us to VCAT.
“I think the community is frustrated with us, that we don’t have a strong enough suite of strategic policies and guidance for planners.
“I think we will fall short of everyone’s expectations.”
Indigo mayor, Sophie Price.
Cr Price said councillors were frustrated with state planning laws that were directed towards the housing crisis but were taking away important local planning considerations.
Planning manager, James Turner said new planning rules were coming out almost weekly, and the momentum of the state government was to take less local policy into consideration.
“There’s a big push on housing and the state government is keen to see housing as quickly as possible,” Mr Turner said.
“Slowly, the control and the influence of councils is being whittled away.”
Cr Price ultimately concluded that an alternate motion, put forward by Cr Greg Bourke, was the best outcome.
The amended resolution allowed councillors to approve the application with conditions and recognised that if the application was heard by VCAT the council would “almost certainly lose” costing ratepayers a lot of money.
In seconding the motion, Cr Jane Dowsley said that money was better spent on roads, parks and services.
“The advice is clear, it meets the tests,” Cr Dowsley said.
“It’s consistent with development plan approved by previous council.”
But she said the approval didn’t give the developer a free and came with 51 strict permit conditions covering traffic, landscaping, amenity and environmental safeguards.
Rutherglen-based councillor, Roberta Horne opposed the application, which represented the first large-scale housing development in Rutherglen.
Rutherglen-based Cr roberta Horne opposed the application.
“As such, it’s vital we get it right,” Cr Horne said.
“Safety is paramount, not negotiable, so to see that one road in and one road out in this development is unconscionable in an area at risk of, and with our recent history of fire and flood.
“Residents will be vulnerable, yet here we are, seven councillors with varying degrees of understanding and experience having to make calculated decisions…”
The planning application was approved 5-2 with Cr Scott Landells and Cr Horne voting against it.
