A SUB-DIVISION of the former Beechworth Tennis Club site has been described by one of the 30-plus objectors to the proposal as another “Wodongaville” with comparisons to White Box Rise.
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The planning application for the sub-division was originally intended to go before council last month, but was put on hold to allow developers to meet with objectors.
Heidi Freeman, a self-described passionate defender of Beechworth’s heritage, was one of the objectors.
“Once this green belt is built on, especially with double-storey, modern townhouses similar to the developments in Wodonga, we have left a very irresponsible footprint for future generations,” she said.
“It sets an unpleasant precedent for future overdeveloped estates and it detracts from our gold rush history and our integrity as Australia’s best preserved gold town.
“It will be another ‘Wodongaville’ such White Box Rise or Elmwood Estate.”
Ms Freeman said Indigo Shire erred in not putting a heritage overlay over the land or purchased it and developed the area as a sporting field or open space.
The 6912 square metre block sandwiched between Tanswell Street and Albert Road is located less than 300 metres from the post office and was purchased for $809,000 12 months ago.
Cr Speedie, who faced objectors including Ms Freeman, said the changes including reducing the number of lots were in response to concerns raised.
“We also took another step to ensure the neighbourhood character of Beechworth was respected and is a requirement of whoever purchases those blocks,” Cr Speedie said.
“We’ve taken every extra step we can to address the concerns raised.
“We absolutely want to have a subdivision of integrity there.”
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