The City of Greater Bendigo was presented with a proposal to rezone nine hectares of former farmland along the Bendigo Creek in Epsom to make way for a 78-lot housing development at Monday night’s council meeting but some local councillors have reservations.
Councillor Greg Penna, warned the proposed housing development could be at risk of flooding, stating “When nature lets fly with a heavy downpour I would not want to be one of the 78 residents who may live there.”
Councillor Jen Alden questioned why so many houses should rise there and the potential removal of some native vegetation.
Councillor Julie Sloan said there was “absolutely no doubt” there were questions over housing numbers and the loss of large trees and other potential wildlife habitats – stating community consultations would be vital if they were to go ahead.
Six of nine councillors voted to send the developers’ plans through to the next stage of the planning process.