HERITAGE CALL: Race to block subdivision and protect Phar Lap tree

RESIDENTS and real estate advocates fear a proposed St Albans Park subdivision could open the floodgates for high-density development in the quiet suburb and break a promise of long-term security for their properties.

Objectors are urging authorities to apply heritage protections to the site, which has links to Australian racing royalty Phar Lap, in a bid to derail the plan and preserve the area’s nationally significant history.

A planning application for 7-8 Oakwood Ridge submitted to the City of Greater Geelong proposes to split a 3.5-hectare block in two, creating a new 1,013-square-metre site for development of two further residential properties.

The plan has already caused controversy due to the site’s links to the former St Albans Park horse stud and the identity of the applicant; the City of Greater Geelong’s director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne.

Click here to read the article as seen on the Geelong Times website
Written by Billy Higgins