A report recommends Greater Shepparton City Council approve the sale of vacant land at 45 Parkside Dve, Shepparton, for a social housing development.
Women’s Housing Ltd approached the council about buying the 1.9 hectare site to construct 45 dwellings which would be used to support vulnerable women and children.
The land is currently undeveloped but identified for future residential development.
In response to advertising its intention to sell the land the council received 62 submissions: 36 objected to the proposal and 25 supported the proposal; the remaining submission was neutral.
Concerns raised in the consultation process included ‘clustering’ of houses within a close proximity, the location, devaluation of surrounding property values, an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour in the area, safety for existing residents and those in the new development and detrimental impacts on Parkside Estate residents’ mental health.
The proposal was included in a report by Ethos Urban commissioned by the council which concluded it was an appropriate site and the sale of the land should be approved.
The report concluded the social housing proposal would result in significant social and economic benefits which will also have positive benefits for the wider community.
The officers’ report prepared for the Tuesday, June 21, council meeting recommends approving the sale and authorising the council’s chief executive, Peter Harriott, to complete the transaction with Women’s Housing Ltd.
It is also recommended the council approve a feasibility assessment for the development of the remaining stages of Parkside Gardens Estate.