Glen Eira City Mayor, Simone Zmood says Victorian Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, failed to fully address key local concerns in approving an eight-storey development for Neerim Road in Murrumbeena.
The development of 110 apartments was lodged under the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Pathway program and did not require Council approval.
The Mayor (pictured) says the approved permit fails to address the Council’s concerns about loss in commuter and short-term car parking, the reduction in car parking for the development and the amount of sunlight in the development’s public plaza.
In a statement, the Mayor said that reducing 90 car spaces and losing commuter and short-term car parking will have a significant impact on car parking demand within the Murrumbeena Neighbourhood Activity Centre.
“While we support more housing options within the Murrumbeena Activity Centre, we believe it must be done responsibly to maintain liveability for current and future residents,” said Mayor Zmood.
“Pleasingly, our advocacy seems to have led to changes to the development regarding sustainability and waste management, underscoring our dedication to fostering a sustainable future for Glen Eira.”
She said the Minister also addressed Council’s concerns regarding public access to the plaza. A Public Realm Management Plan will be established, ensuring that the design of the plaza will be accessible to all residents and create a vibrant public space for the community to enjoy.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian government and other stakeholders as part of this project to ensure the permit conditions are administered effectively and the needs of our community are met,” said Mayor Zmood.
