Federal Group’s subdivision will impact lives, say Prospect Vale residents

The specific area plan for key features of the residential development on Country Club Avenue, as modified by the Planning Authority decision. Image reproduced from MVC April 21 Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

Sharon Webb

RESIDENTS OF Prospect Vale have voiced concerns about a 380 lot development planned for Country Club Avenue but council planners say a zoning application to allow the development will not change.

Six residents are concerned mainly about traffic, loss of property values and loss of view from their homes which they claim will occur with the development by Kin Capital and Federal Group.

Meander Valley Council has applied to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for a zone change from major tourism to general residential for the 44 hectare area at 100 Country Club Avenue, as well as a specific area plan for key features of the residential estate.

Cheltenham Way residents Eva Wohlgemuth, Peter and Karleen Seaman and Lou and Janna van Gelderen of Country Club Avenue objected to potentially increased traffic noise, speeding and hooning problems, unsafe vehicle access to their homes and the possibility of roundabout on Cheltenham Way.

Mr and Mrs Seaman wrote, ‘Under no circumstances do we want or deserve to be looking at a roundabout. If this did occur it would cause us a lot of distress and would certainly devalue our house.’

All three, as well as Deborah Binns of Casino Rise, believe the loss of view and spatial amenity would devalue their properties.

Ms Binns requested, ‘In keeping with the open “feel” of the larger blocks in Casino Rise, please give consideration to offering larger lots of land if this land is rezoned as residential.’

Mrs Wohlgemuth said, ‘I object to the row of planned narrow residential lots along Country Club Avenue opposite the intersection of Cheltenham Way and Country Club Avenue.

‘I imagine they will look like a prison wall of 18 new modern houses squeezed together.

‘That scar would indeed take the tranquillity of my beloved view over the golf course away and greatly diminish my visual amenity that I currently enjoy.’

Planner Jo Oliver responded, ‘The council commits to pursuing road network interventions that eliminate the need to convert the Cheltenham Green island into a roundabout.

‘It is noted that the comments in the traffic impact assessment relating to the installation of a roundabout at this location do not take into account any extension of Mt Leslie Road to Pitcher Parade, and the council’s required modification to extend the internal road of this development to a future intersection on Pitcher Parade. This will distribute traffic away from the junction of Cheltenham Way with Country Club Avenue.’

Mr and Mrs van Gelderen were also concerned with the future appearance of Country Club Avenue.

‘The 18 or so building allotments along Country Club Ave will necessitate a massive removal of trees and greenery.

‘Can we be assured that the council nature strip will be extended, retained and (re)established including tree-planting?’

Ms Oliver said the appearance of Country Club Avenue as a high quality corridor lined with street trees will continue, despite some additional residential development along its frontage.

‘The strip of lots along Country Club Avenue will effectively continue the existing character of the frontages of properties along that road and there will not be a distinct difference in character of residential development.

‘The council considers that the removal of vegetation on the golf course is the prerogative of the Federal Group.’

Ms Oliver said there was no evidence that new residential development adjoining existing residential development reduces property values.