Archive:   Subdivision Riddells Creek

Last Updated  13/8/06

VCAT Gives Developer Some Small Blocks in 181 Lot Subdivision At Riddells Creek

(3/7/06 - P)  Developer loses a couple of lots from the 181 proposed, but are we really surprised VCAT overturned Council's refusal and approved tight development in a 'half acre lot' area?

In yet another disappointing VCAT decision, Riddells Creek's rural character is about to be challenged again by a 181 lot subdivision proposal that includes lots ranging between 359 and 500 square metres.  A previous permit issued for the same land under the Shire's former ('old') planning scheme approved 2000 square metre lots - the then minimum lot size for this land in the 'old' zone in the 'old' planning scheme.  Click here to see VCAT's decision.

MRRA Says:

If nothing else, this decision exposes the absolute differences between the low density of development that the 'old' Macedon Ranges planning scheme insisted on to preserve the Shire's rural character, and the ghastly development we keep getting with the 'new'  VPP planning scheme.  The 'old' Macedon Ranges planning scheme was about Macedon Ranges and protecting the Shire from over-development.  The 'new' scheme is about... well, anywhere in Victoria, and promotes the suburban-style development the 'old' scheme deliberately set out to avoid.   For things to change, Macedon Ranges needs the State government to give us State level protection and again say suburban-style development can't happen here.  However, the State government says Macedon Ranges is already protected.  Obviously, it isn't.

Is it any wonder Macedon Ranges' towns are beginning to look like the suburbs of Melbourne?