The 671 Problem
We are currently campaigning against an enormous proposed building at 671 Chapel Street. If built, it will have the following serious problems:
- Damaging the Ambience of Chapel Street: This building, given its considerable physical bulk and height, will exasperbate the severe wind problem already experienced along Chapel Street North, as well as further obstructing light to Chapel Street.
- Traffic: There are already serious problems with traffic in our community. The additional car spaces, together with the cut through that enables parents to directly drop off children at Melbourne High School will exasperbate the problem.
- Undermining the Heritage of our Community: The new building is out of keeping with the Melbourne High School, and will undermine the grandeur of this magnificent building, by way of being a disruptive backdrop.
- Construction Noise: The construction of the building, including a six storey basement, will be highly disruptive, both to students at Melbourne High School (who will have to study and take exams under such conditions) and local residents. The extensive digging and construction will also create noise and dust that is harmful for the health of local residents.
- Failing to support the local community: The asserted justficiation for the building is the alleged 'significant community benefit', which is said to be a basis for having a construction well above the permitted height in the planning scheme. Yet there is nothing offered that the community wants, nor have the developers consulted with us about our needs. We hope that the building could instead provide more open space for residents, as well as higher quality accommodation that adds to our neighbourhood.
We hope that this proposal can be replaced with something that is in harmony with our local community. To get involved in our campaign, please sign up below.
To help people visualise the situation, here is an illustration of some of the problems!
