Greater Shepparton City Council has approved the construction of seven single-storey dwellings on a central suburban block, saying the higher-density housing is required to meet the city’s changing needs.
The proposed $1.2 million development at 57 Mason St, Shepparton, would see five single-bedroom and two double-bedroom units built on the 1214 sqm block.
Owners Arkas Nominees Pty Ltd and Riversdale Property Group Pty Ltd sought and have been granted an exemption from providing the single visitor parking space normally required for a development of its size, but each dwelling will have its own single parking space.
Properties along the block’s eastern and western boundaries both contain four dwellings; the neighbour to the north is a single dwelling.
The site itself currently has a single dwelling and a large shed on it.
When advertised, the application attracted 11 objections, mostly relating to a perceived over-development of the site that was not in keeping with the character of the area.
However, in their report to the meeting, council officers said those concerns could be managed through the planning permit and did not warrant cancelling the application.
Councillors agreed, signalling their support for higher-density developments in an attempt to overcome Greater Shepparton’s chronic housing shortage.
“This is exactly the kind of development that we are needing to see within Greater Shepparton, but Shepparton more importantly, which is the increase of density levels, of diversity, of housing types and availability,” Cr Sam Spinks said.
Cr Anthony Brophy also backed the proposal, saying it was the right development for the right precinct.
“This is urban design at its best, I think,” he said.
“It’s in its correct zoning, the correct intent for what it’s being designed for and the provisions that have been afforded, and I must say the conditions being placed on this one are really tight and possibly as many as I’ve ever seen on any particular planning permit that’s come forward.”
Cr Fern Summer said she was excited when she saw the proposal.
“It’s exactly what we need,” she told the meeting.
“I think it’s great. High-density housing, yes please.”
Cr Geoff Dobson, who moved the motion, said the proposal was a good example of development being consolidated in the city.
“I think that Shepparton has got to recognise that the urban sprawl that could be around Shepparton should be contained as much as possible, and council in its wisdom have designated this general area as a higher-density area and I think that’s good planning and I’d like to see more people come into the middle of town because, I can tell you from experience, it’s not a bad place to be,” he said.
After the meeting, Mayor Shane Sali said the development could help some individuals or families get into the housing market.
“Instead of there being one or two units on that site, there’s now seven and there’s an opportunity for seven people, individuals, families, whoever it might be, couples, to get into the market,” he said.
“We’ve also got an extremely vulnerable community as well that can’t find housing. So this is something that we really want to promote is high-density living, especially connected to services close to the CBD.”
Crs Greg James and Dinny Adem both declared conflicts of interest and left the chamber before the item was considered by their fellow councillors.