Units are approved to join exclusive set

By Paul Dunlop
RESIDENTS in a “unique” part of Pakenham have lost a battle to stop unit development in their street.
Cardinia Shire Council on Monday approved plans to build two threebedroom units on the last vacant block in McCaffery Rise, despite protests from residents.
Most of the people living in the street had objected to the application of House and Villa Constructions Pty Ltd.
Councillors Brett Owen and Ed Chatwin also opposed the town planners’ recommendation of approval.
Cr Owen said residents were concerned the units would set a precedent in an area noted for big blocks and larger houses in the soughtafter “north side” of town.
McCaffery Rise was an elevated area with the units planned for a block at the end of the bowl in the court, Cr Owen said.
“It is a unique part of Pakenham,” he said.
“There are only a handful of units in this area, mostly on corner blocks and that is definitely not the case here.
“People living in the street are against it, they take pride in their area. Council needs to protect residents.”
Cr Chatwin also believed the units would clash with other houses in McCaffery Rise.
But colleagues agreed with shire officers’ recommendation of approval.
A town planners’ report said the proposal was in line with state and local guidelines and should be supported.
State regulations promote Pakenham as a growth area and encourage efficient use of land and infrastructure and provision of greater housing choice.
Cr Graeme Legge said he had thought “long and hard” about the development.
He did not believe the units would set a precedent, saying any future applications would be judged on their merits.
Cr Legge said Crs Owen and Chatwin had offered no evidence to back their claim that it was inappropriate for the area.
“It will contribute to a variety of housing stock which is generally seen to be of merit,” Cr Legge said.
Cr Bill Pearson said the subject land was a big block and he did not believe the proposal was unsuited to the area.
“We have to make maximum use of the land we have at our disposal,” Cr Pearson said.