10 October 2013

Developers submit application for $13m housing plan on former orchard site in Blackburn North

Developers have submitted an application for a $13 million housing development on the site of a former orchard. The proposal, submitted to Whitehorse Council, is for 50 townhouses for the 1.03ha  property, nestled among housing at the corner of Surrey and Junction Roads in Blackburn North.

The site, the last remnant of an original 8.9ha orchard sold for an estimated $5.8 million in March. The planning application from Third Street Pty Ltd describes the proposed residential development as seeking "to provide contemporary, high quality accommodation, specifically designed for a medium-sized family". The development would include 34 four-bedroom homes, 14 three-bedroom dwellings, and two two-bedroom homes. It describes the land as a "unique site within the established residential area of Blackburn North" providing the chance to contribute to housing stocks in the area.

Prior to the federal election, new Deakin federal Liberal MP Michael Sukkar promised to provide $500,000 for the long-awaited road upgrade to install traffic lights at the intersection. Whitehorse Council general manager city development Julie Reid said the 14-day advertising period for the site finished last Friday. "The application will be assessed taking into account any objections received before the council can make a decision on the application," Ms Reid said.