THE size of garage sheds in Wallan’s Hidden Valley estate was put under the microscope at this month’s Mitchell Shire Council meeting when councillors elected to modify a planning application.
Council received 13 objections to a planning permit application for an outbuilding at 100 Dolomite Rise, planned to have about 185 square metres of floor space with an adjoining 25 square metre lean-to.
While objectors voiced concerns about the proposal paving the way for the subdivision of the one-hectare block, which fronts both Dolomite Rise and Grenfell Close, along with the proximity of a proposed septic tank to a seasonal creek about 50 metres away and the garage overlooking adjoining properties, council officers recommended the permit be granted.
Cr Fiona Stevens moved an alternative motion to grant the permit but restrict the height of the garage to no more than 4.2 metres – down from 6.4 in the original application.
Cr Stevens said it was a fair compromise given the floor space of the garage was larger than that of comparable properties in the area.
“The [shed] at 127 [Dolomite Rise] is 166 square metres internally, and the one at 112 [Dolomite Rise] is 127 square metres internally. What’s been proposed for this particular shed is 185 square metres of internal space with an additional 25 square metres … adjoined to it. That is a really big shed,” she said.
“Even the other two sheds, which are quite substantial sheds, have roof heights of 5.5 [metres].
“Why I’ve suggested lower on this particular building is because it is still a much larger building. It’s got extra meterage to it and extra square meterage to it. The compromise could be to come down in roofline and maintain the extra footprint on the land.
“Bringing down the roofline is not going to impinge on the intended use of this site, and more importantly … it will fit in better with the character and amenity of the area and won’t be as prominent on the landscape.”
Cr Rob Eldridge said the fact there were two building envelopes on the block – a unique feature – enabled the garage to be built about 100 metres from the existing dwelling.
“It’s probably against the spirit of a lot of the buildings in Hidden Valley, having two envelopes,” he said.
“While we acknowledge that, there’s nothing really that council can do about it. It’s an accepted part of the planning system.
“What we’re trying to achieve with this amendment is to have something that has less of a visual impact for the surrounding community who are on large blocks and value the serenity and visual aspects of that area.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s a good outcome as far as working within the planning scheme.”
