Well there's never a dull moment when it comes to 159 Collins Street, Thornbury. Much has happened in the last couple of months.

In May, one week prior to VCAT compulsory conference parties were notified that applicants had submitted new plans and it was pleasing to see that a 4-level development had been reduced down to 2 x2-level townhouses - no more basement and no more 3rd storey terrace. 

At the compulsory conference, an agreement to these plans was made with all parties on the proviso that some minor design details were changed. These included the paring back and painting in light colour of boundary walls, making individual pathways up to each townhouse instead of one pathway servicing both, inclusion of sills and barriers that helped privacy issues. A written agreement by the owner was also made to say that they wouldn't seek to amend plans moving forward.

Fast forward to 5 July and all of this effort and cost seems to have been in vain. The property is now up for sale and owners are looking between 1.7k-1.85k with approved development plans. See listing HERE

It's clear that, given the current climate - interest rates, inflation, very real and rising building costs plus all the costs for VCAT and architectural amendments, the development was no longer viable. Prospective developers should run a mile at the cost they're asking for the plot and it is clear that it's still NOT viable. It is my hope that a young family or downsizers will see the potential in this beautiful, original home that is full of character and will renovate it back to its prime, perhaps turning the north facing backyard space into a beautiful garden. We need to continue to save our streets from the perils of overdevelopment and this story is not yet over.

To all of those who have supported via this petition to date, thank you - your combined pressure HAS made a difference.

I'll post on any further developments.