More unit subdivisions for Westbury
150–152 Dexter Street is the latest suburban block in Westbury to be redeveloped as a block of units, raising concerns amongst local residents about the changing nature of the historic town.
Sharon Webb
Dexter Street in Westbury is fast becoming Unit City, with an application for a $1.5m development being considered by Meander Valley Council.
A $3.7m stratum subdivision for 20 units at 150-152 Dexter Street was approved in October 2020, and now an application for eight units at 137 Dexter St has been submitted.
The 3,382 sqm L-shaped block, owned by Georgia Anne Pistor, currently has one brick veneer house and numerous sheds. It is surrounded by suburban style properties.
The developer plans to retain the house and demolish the sheds, mature vegetation, internal fencing and driveways to build seven brick units behind the house.
The two and three bedroom unit sizes range between 63 and 138sqm, with the current house at 252sqm.
Each unit is allocated one or two car parking spaces, with an extra two spaces in total for visitors.
The traffic impact assessment shows that currently 150 cars a day use Dexter Street, projected to increase by 2031 to 195 cars in the area of the development.
The report’s author said that the low traffic activity level meant the increase in traffic would be easily accepted by Dexter Street.
The 20 unit development at 150–152 Dexter Street is owned by a Victorian company. The application to Meander Valley Council attracted 14 letters from 19 people.
While some supported the project, many queried the level of infrastructure to be supplied, while other submissions objected on density and amenity grounds.
Cllr Frank Nott (now resigned) said he would have preferred fewer units.
‘That would still have provided enough space between them, but not as much profit,’ he said.
‘Is this a sign of things to come? Will lots in Westbury continue to be divided?’
More recently Meander Valley Councillor John Temple commented on pressure from developers to build as many houses in an area as possible, meaning houses are crowded together and fewer trees are retained.
‘Subdivision often favours the short-term gains of the developer and doesn’t consider the long term community gains for hundreds of years to come,’ he said.
Westbury resident Anne-Marie Loader wrote of the 150–152 Dexter Street development, ‘An outbreak of high density housing in a village of dwellings that are on larger blocks will destroy the amenity of the village.’
But council planner Leanne Rabjohns said, ‘The proposal is in keeping with the zone purpose for the General Residential Zone.
‘The property and adjoining properties are not heritage listed.’
