UPDATE: A controversial plan to build eight new homes on the site of the historic Monuments Hill mine is facing fierce opposition from local residents as the council prepares to vote on the proposal on August 18. The development, located on Old Violet Street, has sparked concerns about its potential impact on neighborhood character and historical significance.
Residents have voiced strong objections, with 17 formal complaints submitted to the council. Many argue that the project, which involves demolishing an existing single-storey home and clearing all vegetation, would be an eyesore and detrimental to the area’s heritage. Local council documentation highlights that the proposed two-storey houses would create “excessive visual bulk” and disrupt the streetscape’s rhythm.
The planned development includes a mixture of two to four-bedroom houses, each featuring ground-floor courtyards and upper-level balconies. Ranging from 178 to 254 square meters, these homes would also share a common driveway. Objections from residents emphasize concerns about increased traffic, noise, and privacy issues, as well as a lack of play space for children.
One heritage advisor noted they were “partially satisfied” with the revised plans but still expressed worries regarding the design’s overall “busy-ness” and “visual dominance.” Despite this, regulatory bodies such as Coliban Water, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and PowerCor have expressed their approval of the proposal, indicating compliance with necessary standards.
Council officers are expected to recommend the project, arguing it would promote “increased residential diversity and density” in the area. This impending decision carries significant implications for the community, as approvals may set a precedent for further developments in this historically significant part of the city.
The council meeting on August 18 will be crucial for residents and advocates alike, as community members rally to express their concerns. With development pressures mounting across the region, the outcome of this proposal will serve as a critical test for local governance and historical preservation efforts.
As this situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and engage with council discussions, as the future of their neighborhood hangs in the balance.
