To the Banyule Council,
We strongly object to the position, size, and character of the proposed dwelling and the extent of vegetation removal (P323/2021). The development is not appropriate to the site or neighbourhood.
The imposing design and position on the block are not in keeping with the character of the street. It is not positioned in keeping with the predominant set back of all nearby dwellings. The proposed design is set significantly forward of the two neighbouring properties (and others on the same/south side of the street), aligned with an open/detached carport rather than the house itself to the east, for example. It would be the most imposing house on the south side of the street both in terms of position, contemporary character and roofline height (up to ~9m) towering over neighbouring dwellings. The house to the east is single story and set further down the slope. The house to the west is single story at the front, and also set further back/downslope.
We object to the height (almost 9m) of the proposed house given its inadequate setback. The design therefore does not respond appropriately to the topography of the site with a tall 2 story house only set back ~8m from the street. At that height, the building may also penetrate existing canopies and will dominate neighbouring properties.
There are no other rendered contemporary homes of this kind in the street with such an imposing street presence.
We disagree that the dwelling only requires removal of a modest amount of vegetation when it requires the removal of the three most established and substantial trees on the block (as well as others). Trees 2 and 11 (both E. polyanthemos) and tree 13 (E. melliodora) are not centrally positioned on the block and could therefore all or in majority be retained with more considered design. The design therefore does not preserve key elements of the landscape and vegetation attributes of the site and surrounding area.
Moreover, plans indicate that construction will encroach significantly on the root zone of a established trees on the neighbour’s property (tree 4, and 3) which could significantly undermine tree health and stability into the future. There is inadequate attempt to replace the established native trees and the design does not respond to the vegetated nature of the area nor make a positive contribution to the character of the street. There is insufficient space along the side boundaries for any meaningful replacement or substantial vegetation. There is insufficient detail in plans to show whether once built there is enough space for replacement native trees of similar stature to those removed. There would clearly be a net loss to biodiversity with the proposed removal of vegetation, in particular significant and mature trees.
We suggest better use of the site topography and retention of significant native trees with a single story construction at the front, and 2 story at the rear, and a building set back to the same extent as neighbouring houses (not carports). This would be less imposing, more in keeping with the character of the street and would not dominate neighbouring properties. There is room to move the house further down the block and to minimise the imposing height.
