Hundreds oppose small lots

Hundreds of Warragul residents are objecting to a proposed 37 lot subdivision on a four hectare property in Dawson Drv.
The small lot sizes and layout are the primary concerns of the residents, along with parking, visibility around the proposed western road bend, flooding, native vegetation removal and impacts on local wildlife habitat.
While the average lot area is 537 square metres, four are between 300 and 399 square metres, 13 lots are between 400 and 499 square metres and 20 lots will vary in size between 500 and 992 square metres.
The development would join the two existing sections of Dawson Drv on the eastern side and connect Melzak Way to Cromie Drv on the western side of the creek.
"The main concern is whether the proposed lot sizes and layout complement the established neighbourhood, which is characterised by larger blocks, gardens and space around homes. The proposal includes lots as small as 300 square metres," said one resident, who has collected 133 signed objection letters.
"We understand there's a housing shortage. Smaller blocks have their place, particularly for people trying to keep the cost of buying a home within reach. There are already new developments in Warragul offering that option."
The resident said families looking for larger blocks should have that choice as well.
"Many of us own the homes we live in and chose to buy or build here because we wanted space around us. Some of us paid substantially more for a larger block because that mattered to us."
"We'd welcome a revised layout with a mix of larger blocks that makes sense between these two estates."
The developer's report stated all lots would be sufficient to accommodate a dwelling, private open space and vehicle access, meeting the requirements of the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.
The site slopes down to an unnamed creek running north-west to south and is a tributary to Hazel Creek. The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) and Warragul Burrowing Crayfish (WBC) have been found on the site.
Developers have provided a biodiversity assessment in support of the proposed removal of native vegetation on site, protection of the waterway and allocation of land for habitat for the GGE and WBC.
A number of lots are flood prone, including some areas where the estimated depths of flooding exceed 0.3 metres.
These areas would be subject to a flood overlay on updated mapping (yet to be integrated into the Baw Baw Shire Planning Scheme) undertaken by West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA).
Developers have provided a stormwater management strategy addressing stormwater quality and flood mitigations in accordance with Victorian Panning Provisions.
Baw Baw Shire Council stated the application would be considered by council at a future council meeting.