Goya Dmytryshchak
Unison Housing has appealed to the state’s planning tribunal to overturn Maribyrnong council’s refusal to allow affordable/social housing at a Seddon site.
It has lodged an appeal in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in a bid to convert the use of student accommodation at 69-79 Buckley Street.
Its planning application received 21 objections from 14 properties while a petition by Seddon resident Sally Thompson gained 119 signatures supporting the plan.
The council last month refused the application on several grounds including “unacceptably high concentration of social and affordable housing in the area” and “adverse amenity impacts to surrounding properties”.
During public question time at last week’s council meeting, Ms Thompson said there were significant grounds to appeal the council’s decision.
“The apartments at 69-79 Buckley Street, Seddon, are close to transport and services,” her question began.
“Their use as affordable and social housing by the not-for-profit housing provider, Unison Housing, was recommended by council officers and is supported by the state Housing Minister Richard Wynne and by our local federal member Tim Watts.
“It is supported by 119 residents who have signed a petition tabled with council.
“There are significant grounds to appeal council’s decision at VCAT.
“How much ratepayers’ money is the council willing to spend defending their misguided decision to block this popular proposal?”
Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke replied that officers would prepare a submission to VCAT presenting council’s case.
“The decision as to whether legal representation will be sought will be determined as officers prepare that case.”
Cr Clarke said onsite supervision and reception were vital.
“I’m surprised, and I say very surprised, that in spite of offering a way forward to Unison they’ve at this stage of the game elected not to take up our options to give them a way forward,” he said.
“… It’s not this council that’s not open, it’s Unison that are not open to a way forward, and we do have a way forward.”
Unison was contacted for comment.
