We’ve received the following email –
“Over the last few years, Bentleigh residents have been actively lobbying Council to put in the right controls and plans for future developments within the area. As an outcome of this lobbying, some interim height controls have recently been introduced and Council is now also undertaking a Bentleigh shopping centre and surrounds structure planning process. This structure plan will significantly influence future development and FYI we have attached the preliminary draft.
A Community Forum is to be held on Wednesday 3 May, 6.30pm–8.30pm at the Bentleigh Senior Citizens Centre, 2 Arthur Street, Bentleigh to further discuss this preliminary plan. It is important that residents attend to express views on this draft plan.
Our thoughts on the preliminary plan are:
- There is no meaningful increase in open space and this is an issue with increasing development and also the general lack of open space in Glen Eira (lowest in Melbourne).
- It is proposed that the existing car parks are to be consolidated into a multi-storey with the remainder to potentially be converted into more residential developments. This is not acceptable (Stonnington for example are doing one underground car park and developing open space above).
- There is limited if any innovation or creativity in the plan.
- It is proposed that the library be relocated ($20M plus cost) however this was not identified as a need by residents. (perhaps Council wants to sell off the current library site for a major development?).
- There is no direction included for future development heights.
In summary, we believe that more work needs to be done to deliver a plan that is consistent in quality with other local government areas. Please attend the community forum to again ensure Council clearly understands the views of residents. Numbers are important, please also forward this onto friends.
Kind regards,
Centre Road Bentleigh”
centreroadbentleigh@gmail.com
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The relevant document is uploaded HERE
Glen Eira Debates 
April 26, 2017 at 1:19 PM
Has council ever managed to spend any of its open space fund collected from the levy, on acquiring any new open space areas?
April 26, 2017 at 1:27 PM
53 Magnolia Road, Gardenvale
Aileen Avenue, South Caulfield – @$2.13M and currently rented out.
April 26, 2017 at 3:32 PM
Thank You, maybe it’s about time they looked outside of camden ward for open space purchases
April 26, 2017 at 9:50 PM
We have written before on the unbelievable ‘option’ of moving the Bentleigh library. Unbelievable because millions were spent not that long ago on redeveloping this library and upgrading its facilities and car parking. To even entertain the idea that a move is even a possibility is indicative of a council which is not focused on cost savings or frugality. And as the above email points out, residents certainly did not ‘request’ such a move! We can only hope that common sense prevails.
April 27, 2017 at 12:28 AM
common sense ain’t so common
April 27, 2017 at 12:37 AM
What about making the stretch of Centre Rd from the rail station to Jasper Rd a pedestrian mall totally closed to traffic, the through motor traffic could be diverted behind the shops, it been done successfully elsewhere.
April 27, 2017 at 9:11 AM
Council is trumpeting that it is listening and that’s great! Outcomes should then include: good controls for development, some great new urban open space, an environment for local businesses to prosper, grow the Sunday market concept, etc. Why the library/community hub and what is repurposing car parks?
April 27, 2017 at 12:06 PM
I will be there. Let’s get residents to attend to show what is needed.
April 27, 2017 at 9:11 PM
Wasn’t this Delahunty’s pet project like Easterwick plaza? Ridiculous open space for a house given on rental. Why rental?????
April 27, 2017 at 5:22 PM
At least people can speak up about what they like and dislike concerning Council’s plans. In the bad old days a certain very aggressive councillor would terminate meetings if he didn’t like what people were saying. I am concerned though that proposals are being put forward that bear little resemblance to the feedback Council obtained from its “consultations” last year. Could the hidden agenda be to raise additional revenue to prop up the shaky budget position?