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A CONTROVERSIAL subdivision at Trentham was given the go ahead at the last Hepburn Shire council meeting.
A petition with 55 signatures was presented to the council from local residents asking the council to reject the proposed planning permit for a 20-block development on Mulcahys Road, with several petitioners pleading their case during question time.
Some concerns of the objectors were that the proposed development would be out of character with the rest of the Trentham township; that the area was too far from the town centre; and that the subdivision would increase traffic along a narrow road.
Many were also concerned with the density of the development.
However, after a long debate between councillors, it seemed objections against the development proposal fell on deaf ears and the permit was granted.
Recommendations for the development from the council in order for the planning permit to be used are some of the most vigorous ever placed.
Robert van den Helm addressed the council on behalf of the objectors, stating the petitioners were not against development, in fact they positively supported development, but in smaller amounts and larger lots for the subdivision.
‘‘This has the potential to completely change the character and context of not only Mulcahys Road but the whole of Trentham area,’’ he said.
However Cr McClenaghan, who voted against the motion, said: ‘‘Just because you can allow the subdivision, it doesn’t mean you have to allow it.’’
Cr McClenaghan also raised the potential risk on a one-way road should a fire occur, ‘‘as we [the council] rely on an out-dated fire plan, considering that Trentham was stated as one of 52 fire-prone towns in Victoria’’.
Cr Klein, who supported the motion, said: ‘‘There appears to be no grounds not to allow this permit.
‘‘There are 32 recommendations in this permit, which is far more than any other permit I know has had placed upon it.’’