A $3million upgrade to Newport Lakes Primary School will leave neighbouring properties staring at a high wall just metres from their balconies, a Chalmers Lane resident is claiming.
Rosemary Marsham said a “massive” wall, at least two storeys high, would be built just
2.4 metres from her first-level balcony.
The state government was not required to obtain Hobsons Bay council’s approval or consult residents about the wall.
Ms Marsham, who was notified of the construction work by the school on December 21, said she had bought her house because it overlooked beautiful trees in the school’s playground to the rear.
She said that would change when a school building was developed on her fenceline.
“We’ve got a balcony right across – our balconies are going to be facing a brick wall when they build this thing,” she said.
“We don’t have a view out the front, so the view out the back was lovely.
“We’re going to lose all our sun, we’re going to lose everything – it’s just terrible.”
She said residents did not object to the school upgrade, but did not want a building on their fencelines.
“At the moment, the trees overhang and we’ve had all these birds nesting this year – we’ve had 13 babies in four different nests,” Ms Marsham said.
“Looking at the plan, it looks like they’re going to take the whole lot of the trees … it’s just devastating.”
The government’s school buildings website states that construction has commenced on “four new general purpose and teaching and learning spaces, student toilets, a music and multi-purpose hall and associated amenities”.
Education Minister James Merlino last week told
Star Weekly department staff would meet concerned residents.
“Hundreds of local students will soon benefit from new modern classrooms, and a music and multi-purpose hall, thanks to Newport Lakes Primary School’s $3.04 million upgrade,” he said.
“My department has been in contact and will meet with local residents so we can fully understand their concerns.”
