By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia Shire Council has extended the deadline for community objects to Pakenham’s proposed men’s boarding house.
The proposed 41-bed boarding house for single men at 1-3 Savage Street has drawn strong criticism from neighbours who fear community safety will be jeopardised.
A sign advising locals of the proposal was erected at the property on Monday 18 December and advised residents objections had to be submitted to the council by 8 January.
This upset who residents argued that with the Christmas holiday period, there was not enough notice given.
One elderly neighbour, Glenda Roberts said despite her objections she felt powerless to do anything due to Cardinia Shire Council’s “short” time frame to lodge an appeal.
“Everyone on the street is elderly and most of us live alone; so there are no young people around to rally against it,” Ms Roberts said.
Council has since extended the deadline.
“Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, any submission can be accepted up until a decision is made on an application,” the council’s manager of development and compliance services, Debbie Tyson said.
“The application for 1-3 Savage Street, Pakenham, and any submissions, will be considered at the March council meeting, which is the next available meeting date.”
