A residents group opposed to the sale of the airspace above a Shepparton car park for a social housing development is concerned that the process for hearing complaints has been botched.
Some members of the group Residents 4 a Greater Shepparton, which was formed in response to the planned development, have received correspondence from Greater Shepparton City Council about public hearings.
Kevin Hicks, who chairs the R4GS committee said other members who made formal submissions and asked to be heard in person have not received any notification.
According to the council email, those who have indicated that they wish to be heard by council, will have an opportunity over two days, but must call and book a slot by noon on Friday, March 4.
Mr Hicks said the group was concerned some people who wanted to have their say would miss the opportunity because they hadn’t received formal notification.
“There is only a small window of opportunity for people to have their say,” he said.
The group has asked council to reassess the process to ensure nobody misses an opportunity.
The News asked council to elaborate on the process, but the offer was declined with a reassurance that all interested parties would be notified.
According to the email sent to some submitters the hearings will be held at Eastbank in Shepparton on March 7 from 1pm to 7pm and March 8 from 9.10am to 9pm.
With a speaking time of six minutes per submitter, and allowing time for breaks, the schedule indicates more than 100 people or groups want to address councillors.
Submitters can appear in person or via video link.
Councillors will be provided with a copy of the submission before each presentation.
The submissions have been made in response to council’s advertised intention to sell or gift the airspace above the Maude St, Nixon St and Edward St car park in Shepparton.
BeyondHousing and Wintringham have put forward a proposal to use the airspace to build a four-storey complex with 30 dwellings.
The ground level would still be available as a council-owned public car park.
Mr Hicks said the residents group was not opposed to the appropriate development of social housing.
“Everyone in our group is a proud citizen that wants to support people in need,” he said.
“This site is a poor but quick fix because it is available.”