Land will be subdivided in Eldorado to make way for more housing on large lot sizes on the fringe of town.

A parcel of land at 10 Eldorado-Tarrawingee Road will be carved up to create seven housing lots ranging in size from 4083m2 and 9530m2.

Plans received four objections, and the matter was deferred to Rural City of Wangaratta councillors to make a decision, with a recommendation to grant a planning permit approved.

The site is located about 800m west of the centre of the Eldorado township at the intersection of Main Street and Mackay Street.

Land immediately adjoining and further to the north, south and west of the site is within the Township Zone, and land to the east of Eldorado-Tarrawingee Road is zoned Rural Living Zone.

To facilitate the subdivision, 10 native trees will be removed, as will other non-native and exotic vegetation.

The four objections contained the views that applicants are absentee owners and don’t have an appreciation of Eldorado; there are other land parcels available in Eldorado better suited to subdivision; vegetation removal and impacts on wildlife and biodiversity; loss of amenity and privacy; increased traffic risks; increased density is not in keeping with the area’s rural feel; and increased pressure on existing utilities (electricity and water).

However, in the council officer’s appraisal they said while the matters raised in submissions have some planning relevance, they are not considered sufficient to refuse the application nor seek major amendments.

The assessment against the planning policy identified the subdivision would create lots suitable for future residential development.

While the area does not have a Bushfire Management Overlay, it is within a Bushfire Prone Area.

The assessment also notes that CFA conditions include requirements for future development to establish onsite static water supplies for firefighting purposes.

Cr Harvey Benton thought the subdivision was conducive to the area and he noted that the blocks are large, near the township area.

“It will be a good development for Eldorado,” he said.

His thoughts were echoed by Mayor Irene Grant who said she hopes it will enhance the livability of Eldorado's community into the future.