Tall storeys stir anger

John Van Klaveren
PLANS to allow public housing developments up to four storeys high have alarmed residents in Geelong’s northern suburbs, according to objectors.
They fear State Government’s development plan overlay would usher in a density of housing out of character beside their single-storey homes in Norlane.
The objectors have started a petition on a Facebook page called Norlane Sardine Housing Plan, which has 125 friends.
The Government must amend Geelong’s planning scheme to introduce the overlay. The departments of planning, human services and housing are behind the bid for the overlay, which would allow the second stage of a $40 million public and affordable housing plan to go ahead.
The $32 million second stage includes 60 public houses and 100 affordable homes on two precincts at Norlane.
One precinct is bounded by St Georges Road, Iris Street, Wisteria Grove, Rose Avenue, Camelia Crescent and Plume Avenue. The other is bounded by Narooma Street, Yooringa Avenue, Morona Street, Arunga Avenue and Waitara Grove.
Precinct resident Lisa, who wanted her surname withheld, said objections had fallen on deaf ears.
“I’ve contacted State Government, Corio Norlane Development Advisory Board and politicians but no one listens.
“Not many people know about this. We’ve been door knocking and a lot of people are shocked when we tell them what’s going on.
Lisa said the redeveloped houses and units would outnumber existing residents in both precincts.
Northern Futures executive officer Lou Brazier said she was aware a “handful” of residents were “supposedly unhappy”.
Ms Brazier accused the objectors were disseminating “bogus” information.
“There have been two public meetings and accurate information has been presented to the community. You can’t win everyone over but the community has been consulted and the community supports the plan and I support it.”
Councillor Kylie Fisher believed mediation was essential.
“The main issues are the three and four-storey heights and the level of density. The residents are not anti-development but feel the houses and units should fit in with the existing amenity.”
State Government spokesperson Rebecca Tucker said the public buildings would be mostly single to three storeys.
“It’s anticipated there will be setbacks and graduation of height between existing single storey properties and any new homes. No three or four storey properties will be built immediately next to single storey homes.”