Gild Street residents lay on the ire

For the past month, resident Coral Miles has led her neighbours on a campaign to stop a nine-unit complex with 12 parking bays at 29 Gild Street from receiving approval.

The street’s residents are concerned the development would increase street parking and the footpath would become blocked on rubbish collection day by the number of bins from the complex, putting elderly residents who rely on scooters at risk by forcing them on to the road.

Mrs Miles sent a petition with 49 signatures to Planning Minister John Day last month and has sought the support of East Metropolitan MLC Samantha Rowe for the campaign.

At last week’s council meeting, City of Belmont community and statutory services director Neville Deague told residents that because the development plans were not yet advertised for public comment, it was unable to act or approach Mr Day.

Mr Deague also said a parking survey conducted by the council between July 23 and August 4 did not prove Gild Street was suffering from a parking problem at the time and residents would have to suffer a ‘period of inconvenience’ on bin day because a practical solution to pathway congestion was unlikely.