Residents mounted to oppose the community housing plan when it was first proposed in May. Picture: Meagan Rogers.
By Melissa Grant
THE door has shut on controversial plans to build a community housing development in Lakeside.
The Cardinia Shire Council rejected Community Housing Limited’s (CHL) proposal for a medium density multi-unit development in the estate at Monday night’s council meeting.
Plans to construct eight one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units on a 2988 square metre lot in Oaklands Way angered many residents, with 84 objecting to the proposal.
Lakeside residents were concerned that the community housing development would change the nature of their neighbourhood and would affect the values of properties in the area.
But Cr Graeme Legge, the only councillor to support the $1.5 million proposal, said the development wouldn’t affect the character of the prestigious estate.
“Medium density housing is consistent with housing throughout the estate,” he said.
“The buildings would be designed to complement existing housing.”
Cr Legge said more community housing was needed in Pakenham and that Lakeside, close to public transport and open space, was an ideal site.
Cr Brett Owen agreed there was a need for community housing in Cardinia, but said the proposed site was inappropriate.
He said plans to build one-bedroom units were the “sticking point.”
“The units are totally inappropriate for that area,” he said.
“One-bedroom units have to be built closer to shops and better transport, and that includes trains.”
Cr Bill Ronald said Delfin had misled its residents with its “glossy ads and TV advertisements”.
“Delfin failed to tell prospective buyers that medium density housing in the estate would be community housing,” he said.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said Cardinia Shire Council was not against community housing and that it had been put in an uncomfortable position.
“By voting against it, it may seem we are elitist but that is certainly not the case,” she said.
Cr Lempriere said the site was not big enough for the 14 units and the location was inappropriate.
She said the 84 objections couldn’t be ignored, but didn’t rule out Lakeside becoming a site for community housing in the future.
