Ash Bolt
A Belmont resident is concerned the state government’s new streamlined planning permit process for Big Housing Build projects will give the community less say in developments happening in their neighbourhoods.
Pam Clark is a resident of a social housing property in Belmont where a development to demolish the existing 16 units and build 29 in their place has been proposed.
Ms Clark, who is an incomplete quadriplegic, said she was opposed the development and had written an objection earlier this year when the developer, Housing Choices Australia, applied to the City of Greater Geelong for a planning permit.
She said she was then surprised to receive a letter from the developer last month, which stated as the project had received funding from the state government’s Big Housing Build program it was no longer required to apply for a planning permit from the City of Greater Geelong.
Under clause 52.20 of the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, which the state government introduced in March, projects with Big Housing Build funding can instead seek approval from the energy, environment and climate change minister.
Ms Clark said she was concerned the streamlined process would limit the community’s ability to ensure developments were suitable for the neighbourhood and the people who needed the housing.
“I’m very concerned about this streamlined process,” she said.
“It goes against all our legal processes … we have the planning permit process for a reason – to ensure that developments are the right fit.
“I’m concerned that this won’t be the case now, they’re putting too much power into the hands of developers – it’s a shonky process.
“These are supposed to support vulnerable people, but now they won’t even get a voice to ensure they are suitable.
“And how can we ensure that any development will fit with the architecture of the rest of the street?”
A government spokesperson said despite the streamlined process, developers would still have to consult with residents and the council and produce a report showing how they addressed community concerns before a decision was made to approve a development.
“Consultation with the community and the council is required for all Big Housing Build projects. We make no apology for streamlining approval of our Big Housing Build sites to get much needed jobs and homes on the ground as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
Housing Choices Australia said it had worked with all residents at the property to find alternative accommodation ahead of the development and had addressed the concerns raised through the City of Greater Geelong permit application process.
It amended its plan to include screening around the property.
As it had already completed community consultation through that process, it was not required to complete it a second time under its application to the minister.
It said it was confident the new development, if approved, would be built to a high standard and be suitable for the primarily older tenants it would support.
