The proposal to build three dwellings and subdivide the lot was met with three letters from Webb Street residents objecting to the development because it “did not match with the character of the street”.
The residents said their homes were “old style” and they wished to have the street heritage-listed eventually.
A motion was moved to grant the planning permit, but it was lost with the majority of councillors voting against. The planning permit will be raised again at next council meeting.
Education agreement sought
Latrobe City Mayor Sandy Kam will write to University of Ballarat and GippsTAFE requesting a copy of the agreement between the two education providers.
Councillor Christine Sindt moved a motion to obtain the agreement to determine “whether the conferring of degrees by GippsTAFE is a franchise agreement, and whether the agreement is in the interests of the Latrobe City community”.
Several councillors discussed how obtaining a copy would help it to understand UB’s relationship with GippsTAFE before the motion was carried.
Development endorsed
Latrobe City Council endorsed a major housing development in Traralgon at Monday night’s council meeting.
The 334-lot development called Franklin Place, which borders Marshall Road and Park Lane, will include a lifestyle village.
A resident who will neighbour part of the precinct voiced his objections to the medium density lot adjacent to his home at the meeting.
He said it would increase foot traffic and noise and he had privacy and security concerns.
Council debated the issue, considering his concerns, but the motion to endorse the Franklin Place Development Plan was carried.
Performance investigation
Gippsland Water’s performance over the past five years or more could be put under the microscope with Latrobe City Council requesting an investigation into the water board.
Latrobe City Council voted to support an investigation by State Water Minister Peter Walsh into the operations of Gippsland Water with regard to more than 10 questions and issues.
Issues raised included water price increases, a sewerage system at Loch Sport and GW’s dealings with the Essential Services Commission.
Councillor Christine Sindt put forward the motion, referencing Gippland Resource Group who had been pursuing answers to the questions for years and had put them to State Member for Morwell Russell Northe.
Mr Northe said there were a number of issues that were raised and those questions had been placed formally to the Water Minister, “who will no doubt respond in due course”.
