A major new development of an industrial West Footscray site has attracted more than 80 objections from neighbouring residents.
The $26 million development of a disused site at 25-27 Indwe Street proposes building 177 warehouses, offices, a childcare centre, restricted retail premises and parking.
The 72,400-square-metre site is zoned industrial but bordered on two sides by residential properties and on a third side by Stony Creek.
A report prepared for CostaFox Developments, lodged with the planning application, suggests the proposal conforms with local and state planning policies.
“State planning policy seeks to increase job opportunities close to where people live and local planning policy identifies the site as a core employment area,” it states.
“Redevelopment of the site has the opportunity to contribute positively to the Indwe and Cala street streetscapes.”
But residents have banded together to fight the proposal, arguing it will clog residential streets, increase the number of trucks in the neighbourhood and destroy parklands.
Pia Davis, of Wefo Residents Group, said that although most residents supported growth in the area, they were against the scale of the proposed industrial development and would rather see housing on the site.
“We are worried about traffic flow, parking and noise pollution,” she said.
Ms Davis pointed to Maribyrnong council’s 2011 Housing Strategy, which flags the site as a “substantial change area” suited to catering for residential growth.
Wefo Residents Group is hoping to hold further meetings with the developer.
CostaFox Developments sales and marketing manager Georgie Bott said as the proposal is the subject of an application being considered by the Maribyrnong City Council, it would be inappropriate to comment on the planning merits at this stage.
“The site is currently zoned Industrial 1 and Industrial 3 and was recently rezoned as a future employment precinct,” she said.
“That said, we are aware of the community interest in the proposal and have met with a representative from the community and we will endeavour to address the concerns that have been raised.”
A Facebook page has been set up to discuss the proposed development and a public meeting regarding the proposal has been planned for Sunday, July 9.
