We were greatly heartened by a recent VCAT decison that affirms the importance of the visual character of the Merri Creek and its parklands. VCAT upheld Merri-bek Council's refusal to approve a permit for seven townhouses at 38 Harrison St Brunswick East.

The site is next to a striking Russian Orthodox Church and includes an historic cottage (photo left). The cottage was to be retained and restored, a plus for the proposal. But the six townhouses located at the rear of the property were a problem in terms of scale and siting. The proposed landscaping between the driveway, which serviced the rear of the continuous row of townhouses, and the site's rear boundary was minimal.

Merri Creek Management Committee objected to the original application and attended the VCAT review along with local residents. Especial thanks are due to Peter Mollison, a local resident who has had a long-term association with Merri Creek. Peter contributed his wealth of planning experience to the VCAT hearing. The Friends of Merri Creek undertook a strong advocacy campaign when the proposal was first advertised which garnered a high level of interest from lovers of Merri Creek .

The VCAT report says:...I find that the proposed development fails to achieve a number of the policy outcomes that are strongly encouraged in this location. In particular, the proposed development fails to ensure that the scenic qualities and visual character of the Merri Creek corridor are not compromised by the siting and scale of buildings, fails to minimise the visual intrusion of the development on the Merri Creek corridor including the adjacent public open space, and fails to contribute to a low density, open and landscaped character, as is encouraged in this Minimal change area.

You can read VCAT's full decision here.