Councillors say unique Westbury is being whittled away by subdivision
By Sharon Webb
MEANDER VALLEY councillors have rejected the subdivision of land in Westbury, risking an appeal to the state’s planning authority. Council officers recommended approval of subdivision of the block, zoned low density residential, at 87 Five Acre Row into four lots. But most councillors agreed with the one objector to the plan, Karen Murray, who lives at 24 Five Acre Row. At the February council meeting, Ms Murray outlined the history of the original allocation of blocks in that area to soldier settlers after the war. ‘In the past 18 months there have been numerous planning applications to subdivide these unique five-acre blocks which I, along with other neighbours and residents, have objected to,’ she said.
‘This is because these blocks were never to be subdivided. This has been passed down through the ages. ‘I, along with others, believe that by allowing these types of subdivisions to occur, the unique lifestyle, character, heritage and ambience of the area will be forever lost.’ Ms Murray said it was clear that most subdivision applications in the area had been submitted and approved by people who were not locals – ‘people who have no regard for the historic values and are so hellbent on destroying the unique lifestyle these five-acre blocks allow.’ Cllr Rodney Synfield called on councillors to reject the application. ‘Little by little we’re changing the peripheral area of Westbury into something different from what it was,’ he said. ‘There is a belief that you can subdivide and get a tick as long as you can show a distinction between the low-density area and the general residential area. ‘This needs to be tested. We have a good case. At least then we would clearly know the situation.
Cllr Frank Nott said it was important that the history, character and amenity of the area were kept. ‘The grid design of Westbury is unique. Battleaxe blocks cannot be accommodated. In this case there could be three lots rather than four and all would be over 5,000 square metres in size. ‘The unique pattern of this area is gradually being whittled away. We have to stand up and make a statement and there’s a good chance the tribunal [Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal] will support us.’ Rejecting the application could be risky for the council. In August 2018 it refused planning approval to subdivide 61 Veterans Row in Westbury, but through a subsequent appeal and mediation process, the decision was overturned. The council’s major risk in appeals to RMPAT is the high costs of legal fees, paid with residents’ rates. A motion rejecting the subdivision was put by Cllr Synfield, seconded by Cllr Nott. The reasons given were that subdivision would not satisfy the interim planning scheme and would adversely impact the amenity and character of the low-density area, therefore not furthering the desired future character of the area.
