To: BOROONDARA – CITY OF HARMONY
RESPONSE TO A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION
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WHICH APPLICATION ARE YOU RESPONDING TO? PP 11/01042
ADDRESS OF THE APPLICATION LAND: 2 Kaarumba Grove, Balwyn
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FOR: Construction of three dwellings on a lot.
WHO HAS APPLIED: GWM Mak
DO YOU OWN OR OCCUPY LAND NEAR THE SUBJECT LAND? YES
ADDRESS:
HOW WILL YOU BE AFFECTED IF A PERMIT IS GRANTED?
If the permit is granted, as per the application and without variation, I will be affected in the following
ways:
Loss of Neighbourhood Character: The whole neighbourhood will be affected by further loss of
neighbourhood character. Kaarumba Grove is a special quiet “pocket” of gardened, single storey
Californian Bungalows and post 1970’s traditional detached homes. The homes are nestled around a large
80 year old palm tree in a grassed island of public open space. The proposed design for three, two storey
contemporary dwellings will dominate the streetscape and is totally inconsistent with the character of the
Grove. Double storey street frontage, use of low cost “look like” building materials (that produce
carcinogenic dust*) and limited open space will destroy the character of the street.
Loss of Private Open Space: Larger allotments, typical of this neighbourhood, provide open space,
landscaping and habitat for native animals and birds. We choose to live in this neighbourhood because
we value our gardens and privacy. Secluded open space of existing dwellings in adjoining properties will
disappear as dwellings will overlook all neighbours. Generous side setbacks will disappear and boundary
walls or high fences replace views of neighbouring gardens. This proposal continues the destruction of
trees underway in Balwyn – in Maranoa Ward, on average more than 80% of vegetation is removed on
development sites.
Loss of Quiet Cul-de-sac: The proposed three two storey dwelling development at 2 Kaarumba Grove and
at 5 Kaarumba Grove (PP11/01134) will result in doubling of the number of dwellings and will more than
double the number of people and cars in the court. The characteristic quietness of the street will be lost –
once enjoyed, then gone forever! This development will set a precedent for the destruction of
neighbourhood character in other Balwyn cul-de-sacs and quiet streets.
Loss of On-Street Parking: Parking is already severely limited by the geometry of the Grove. On-street
parking blocks driveways and impedes access for service and emergency vehicles. Doubling the
population of the Grove must exacerbate the problem. Residents will be forced to park in Narrak Road,
resulting in more car accidents and animal fatalities as we’ve seen in the past year.
Loss of Safe Public Open Space: The landscaped island is the meeting place for the Grove
community. Children play safely because residential traffic volume is low. The proposed concurrent
developments at #2 and #5 will double the population and therefore the traffic in the Grove. The safety of
the public open space for social gatherings, children’s play and pets will be seriously compromised. .
Loss of Traffic Safety: With parking narrowing the traffic ways, surrounding streets are already dangerous
due to increased feed from Eastern Freeway and Union Road. In the past year, 2 car accidents and several
dog fatalities have occurred on Narrak Road, near the intersection with Kaarumba Grove. The proposal
will just add to the traffic using surrounding streets.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AN APPLICATION, COULD THE APPLICATION BE MODIFIED
TO ALLEVIATE YOUR CONCERN? YES
IF YES, WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE MODIFICATIONS WITH A COUNCIL
OFFICER? YES
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE TO THE APPLICATION TO SATISFY YOUR
CONCERNS?
To satisfy concerns, a number of changes would be necessary:
1. Reduce the scale of building – two dwellings with single storey to the street frontage.
2. Increase front and side setbacks to increase landscape quality and to decrease loss of secluded
private open space.
3. Require use of safe building materials not carcinogenic fibre board.
4. Require the design to move back from the English Oak to accommodate the tree protection zone
as required by Tree Protection Local Law 1F.
5. Require the developer to provide a detailed sewerage and drainage management plan.
DO YOU OBJECT? YES
REASONS FOR OBJECTION:
1. Subdivision allowing construction of 3 two storey dwellings, with 11 bedrooms, creates a
population density which is entirely inappropriate in a cul-de-sac of this size.
2. The proposed contemporary two storey design using “look like” materials is grossly insensitive to
the Grove character and will dominate the single storey streetscape.
3. The proposal will destroy the amenity of this unique, quiet, residential enclave community
changing forever the lifestyle of the residents and their neighbours.
4. Loss of private secluded open space will destroy enjoyment of outdoor living. Overlooking of
habitable rooms will rob privacy. Developed landscape views and wildlife habitat will be
replaced by two storey built structures and boundary walls.
5. We expect Council to protect our amenities and support our quality lifestyle, not sacrifice it to
developers who plunder for profit.
6. The proposal will significantly impact traffic and parking in the cul-de-sac and surrounding
streets. It will increase the likelihood or accidents and diminish safety for children, the elderly
and pets.
7. The proposed development is entirely inappropriate for a 6 allotment cul-de-sac and will double
demand on already over-capacity sewerage, drainage, parking and traffic infrastructure.
8. Safety of the public open space, so central to the Grove community, will be severely
compromised.
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