An Altona North resident has launched a campaign against a “massive increase” in two-storey subdivisions in his street, saying it spells the death of the Aussie backyard.
Nick Ostrovskis said owners of six addresses in a 65-metre radius of his home in The Broadway either had or were seeking approval to build “bulky townhouses” that were out of character with the neighbourhood.
He is campaigning door-to-door and says he has collected more than 90 submissions against townhouses in the street that are yet to receive Hobsons Bay council approval.
“The street dynamic of my suburb is metamorphosing almost overnight from single-storey family houses with big backyards, fruit trees and vegie patches to several double storey townhouses, all choc-a-bloc, built up to the fenceline, on the same address,” Mr Ostrovskis said.
“So many, many extra people and many, many extra cars will be squashed together like sardines in a 65-metre radius area, if it all goes ahead. Where will the children play?”
Mr Ostrovskis said while going door-to-door, numerous residents had complained about the loss of privacy and sunlight and an increase in noise.
“Some people have even invited me into their backyards and shown me two-storey monstrosities, which have encroached right up to their fenceline like big grandstands overlooking their backyard.
“One man in Jeffrey Avenue even has stormwater and sewage backflows through his kitchen, which flood his home and garage during severe downpours.
“He said that this has happened three times and only started to occur after two-storey developments next door overloaded local stormwater drainage infrastructure.”
Mayor Colleen Gates said subdivisions had to be assessed by the council against the relevant state government legislation and regulations.
She urged residents to have their say about neighbourhood character ahead of new residential zones being introduced.
“The eventual future introduction of new residential zones in Hobsons Bay will help in better preserving our local neighbourhood character,” Cr Gates said.
“Council is currently in the midst of a number of conversations … to ensure we get the right balance between accommodating growth while maintaining local character.”
People can have their say at the ‘Participate Hobsons Bay’ section of the council’s website.
