A $13 million social housing development for disadvantaged people will go ahead at Templeton Street in Wangaratta following unanimous approval by councillors at this week's February meeting.
The development will consist of 44 one, two and three bedroom units in three separate four–storey buildings (ground floor to level three).
Uniting Care Vic/Tas sought a permit to re–develop an existing facility they own and operate in Wangaratta and it will provide housing to disadvantaged people, replacing an existing 16 flats which will be demolished.
The units will have 20 car parks provided for renters, along with parking spaces for 40 bicycles.
Some 13 objections were received, with some letters of support, and North East Water and the Country Fire Authority did not object to the development.
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Cr Jack Herry said according to planning provisions there was no exclusion of such structures in the area and noted there is a lot of impetus and support to increase densification and to make better use of the limited space in the city.
Based on the local planning policy within the planning scheme Cr Herry said it was a "pretty robust" proposal that stacks up and ticks a lot of boxes.
"It's providing a much needed form of housing and increasing diversity of options for our community and we have to remember particularly people who are vulnerable members of our community and don't stand a lot of chances in the broader housing market," he said.
"The design will change the amenity, feel and look of that area, however, I feel that the design is considered and the material and the aesthetic of the building (design) has gone to a fair degree to ensure it fits in and pays respect to the other features of the mixed commercial 1 zone."
He also noted that a submission suggested there would be undesirable people living in the units but he warned that it was "a dangerous road to travel" to offer community dialogue that was seated in prejudice.
There was some conjecture over the lack of car parking in the area but Cr Herry believes it will be a development that will not place a huge emphasis on cars and people owning cars.
"I believe there are 40 bicycle parking spaces, double the amount of car parks, and a lot of the people might not be car owners or realise there is no need to own a car when you're in such close proximity to services," he said.
Cr Irene Grant said this type of housing is "the way of the future" and she was heartened by the fact Uniting Care will be the managers of the building.
"It's something that we need, we need to support, and our planning scheme allows it."
Cr Dave Fuller said the overall outcome is that we have a safe and welcoming community where "we are lifting our fellow citizens up".
Mayor Dean Rees said one of the major things to come out of these discussions is that everyone deserves the safety and the dignity of a home.
Cr Harry Bussell said every compassionate community needs to have affordable housing for everyone.
"Looking at this from a planning point of view there was no reason to object to this," he said.
