By Bonny Burrows
The development of seven double-storey townhouses in a Berwick court would be “out of character”, according to residents.
A planning application for the construction of seven three and four-bedroom double storey homes on two allotments at the top of Hazeldene Court has been lodged with Casey Shire Council, to the dismay of locals.
Forty-four neighbours representing the court’s 150 residents have signed a petition, which was tabled to council, against the proposal.
Speaking on behalf of the court’s residents, Geoff Williamson said they didn’t disagree with the need for development, rather the density and style of the development was out of character with the rest of the street.
The court consists of one-storey homes, excluding one double-storey construction which Mr Williamson described as “cramped”.
“Just because that one got through, it is not a good reason to ignore other inconsistences proposed,” he said.
“On our block, we have four two-bedroom units. They are proposing seven three to four-bedroom two-storey homes on the same-sized block.
Neighbour Patricia Schroor, who has been a resident of the court for almost three years, said she would feel “claustrophobic” if such development was built across the street.
“We’d be going from gracious and spacious to cramped and horrible,” Ms Schroor said.
Ms Schroor and husband, Hu, also have concerns about the increased traffic the townhouses would bring.
It was already difficult to turn around in the court and waste collection and emergency services struggled to get down the narrow street, they said, and it was estimated the development would increase the population and road traffic on the street by “at least 30 per cent”.
“In an emergency how do we get out quickly? The court has no alternative exit, and the more cars there are the more difficult will it be,” Ms Schroor said.
Mr Williamson said it was important council knocked back the development as approval would “pave the way for another property in our street and of equal proportions to be developed at the same density”.
Mr Schroor agreed and added that the development was suited to “Camberwell or Richmond, but this is Berwick”.
“It’s not suitable, not for here,” he said.
Council is expected to make a decision on the application in the coming weeks.
Casey Shire Council did not respond to questions from The Gazette.
