69-71 mt dandenong road

Background: Large 'L-Shaped' block of land on 5 separate titles.  Originally on the site were a large single house, tennis court, swimming pool and numerous trees.  The land was sold to developer Merrivale Homes.  Around mid-2002, 4 large canopy trees 'mysteriously' died - subsequently proven by Melbourne University to have been poisoned.  The house was removed and the land 'moonscaped'.  The Developer applied to Council for a permit to build two units on one lot and intends to build a total of 9 units.  Council refused to grant a permit on a number of grounds including the deliberate poisoning of trees, which was seen as an attempt by the Developer to gain 'Financial Advantage'.  Subsequently the Developer appealed to V.C.A.T..

M.R.G. Stance & Activities.  M.R.G. represented members at the V.C.A.T. hearing.  Although the Developer’s appeal was successful, some additional restrictions were placed on the Developer by V.C.A.T. essentially  due to M.R.G.s’ representations.  Council were unable to prosecute any person for the poisoning of the trees, due mainly to the lack of eyewitnesses.

Current Status:  The building of three units has now been completed with the remainder currently in various stages of construction.

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