An elderly couple is pleading with developers to hold off on construction of a five-storey apartment complex next to their Footscray home.
Neville and Gladys Collins say their Ballarat Road home of 50 years will become unliveable during and after construction of the 23-unit development approved last week by Maribyrnong council.
Eight objections were made against the $6 million project at 205-207 Ballarat Road, relating to its bulk, amenity impacts on neighbouring properties and carparking.
Mr Collins, 89, said he was unable to make his case at the council meeting as he was looking after his 85-year-old wife, who was sick with worry.
He said the project would tower over their house and backyard and shatter the area’s neighbourly feeling.
“The place is going to be changed. It’s not going to be families; it’s going to be for investment,” he said. “We know change is needed but, for god’s sake, put a bit of humanity into the situation.”
Mr Collins said his wish would be for the project to be delayed during the couple’s final years.
“We just want some peace and quiet and some time with our dog. I hope to god they don’t sell them for some years.”
Peter Flavell, who owns the house three doors down, said the development was far too large and would impact on parking in the area.
Terrain Consulting Group planning consultant Lorenzo Rigoni said the site, near the Gordon Street intersection, was in a “substantial change area” with good transport links and opportunities for higher density.
“Where it has a sensitive interface, we have screened balconies,” he said.
“We received support from all the referral authorities; council’s architect is supportive and VicRoads has no objection.”
He said the project included a number of environmentally sustainable features, such as solar panels and rainwater tanks.
Cr Michael Clarke said the five-storey building was being built in a location ideally placed to handle the impact.
“What we have here is a proposal in keeping with our own vision for this part of the world.”
Cr Catherine Cumming voted against the proposal, saying she could not support it in light of the impact on Mr and Mrs Collins.
