Armadale MP Tony Buti and farmer Shane O’Grady.
Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au   d449905
Camera IconArmadale MP Tony Buti and farmer Shane O’Grady. Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d449905 Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d449905

Tensions building over development

Francis CurroComment News

Farmer Shane O’Grady is concerned about the loss of the rural land around his home on Purves Way as Sienna Wood development takes place.

He and his family have owned the property since the late 1960s.

Mr O’Grady said he was concerned about a fence that is supposed to be built 3m above ground.

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“The most immediate concern is privacy,” he said.

“The concern I have is the height; people will be looking into my property.

Armadale MLA Tony Buti said Mr O’Grady contacted him about the issue.

“My concerns are not against the development but I want it done in a responsible manner,” Mr Buti said.

“This is property with beautiful trees and cockatoos and other birds migrate there.

“There will not be a lot of trees around once the clearing happens by developers.”

Stockland development manager Matthew Craven-Kelly said they were keen to preserve the privacy of the neighbours.

“All homes will be set back more than 10m from the boundary of our site,” he said.

“We will also plant native trees along the verge of the street, in front of the new homes, to provide a form of natural screening.

“High fences are not permitted under the planning regulations. Due to the relatively high water table that exists in the area, it is a condition of our proposed Urban Water Management Plan that we increase the elevation of the land by between one to two metres to ensure the appropriate drainage of the site.”

He also said they dedicated 37 per cent of the site to public open spaces and minimised tree removal.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority chief executive Kieran Kinsella said several projects in the area would grow the community by up to 40,000 people.

“A subdivision proposal has been lodged by Stockland and, as part of this process, Stockland are also required to submit an Urban Water Management Plan,” he said.

“Until the ground water levels and the management plan are assessed, fill heights cannot be determined.

“Generally the MRA does not support retaining in excess of one metre in height and in many cases seeks to reduce fill in order to achieve water sensitive design and improve overall amenity.”