Council
12 June, 2024
Two subdivisions rejected
CORANGAMITE Shire Council voted to reject two subdivision applications in the Simpson area.
At last month’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, councillors rejected two applications for the excision of dwellings despite an ognoing shortage of houses in the district.
The applications were on behalf of Otway Silva who purchased the land for timber plantations and wanted to excise the houses and associated sheds.
Coastal Ward councillor Jamie Vogels said the shire had been “thrown a massive curveball with the blue gums moving in”.
He said the fact the blue gums don’t require a work force and houses on these properties was leading to an increase in applications of subdivisions to allow for the excision of houses.
“Our planning scheme does not allow this to happen easily,” Cr Vogels said.
“Obviously the chances are the houses will be bulldozed.
“I don’t have a crystal ball and there’s no triggers to pull, and I don’t have any other option than to go with the officer’s recommendation.”
Cr Ruth Gstrein said she could not support the applications.
“I think it’s important that the property does stay tied to the farm,” she said.
“We certainly don’t want to lose houses.
“I would encourage Otway Silva to continue to rent the house.”
Cr Jo Beard challenged Otway Silva to
ensure they were being “good corporate citizens” and continue renting the properties out.
“There’s no reason they can’t do that and keep everyone happy,” she said.
Cr Vogels said there was a lot of community concern about the issue.
“I think one of the other issues is that renting the houses out isn’t ideal either by talking to the community where they are subdivided and sold,” he said.
“There’s a lot of concern.”