Mitcham Station, Precint or Prison?

Recently I saw a scale model of the proposed development of Mitcham Station and the surrounding precinct when it was briefly on display at Mitcham Community house. Immediately I became concerned about the length of time that the model had been on view for public comment.

Pictured here is the area that will be affected.

For such an enormous project, that will change the character of Mitcham, with serious impact on surrounding suburbs, I don't believe the public has been given enough time to fully understand its ramifications.

The area is classified as a "neighbourhood activity centre". But, with the type of structures planned along both sides of the railway line, I fear it will become a "major activity centre" like Box Hill.

The three dimensional model that has been prepared by Whitehorse planning officers is in response to the VicRoads proposal for the lowering of the rail line.

When the railway line is lowered the track will be located closer to the homes of Barkly Terrace residents.

Are locals ready for the overwhelming concrete jungle that council has prepared?
There is very little charm about the structures which include two car parks of four storeys in height. Where is  innovation and creativity? Why do we settle for what is ordinary and ugly when there are other possibilities?

Here are some photos of the current streetscape. Do we want more of this urban canyon effect?

Where are the softening features to blend the proposed station development into the green leafy neighbourhood character? A sparse scattering of small trees will not compensate for the claustraphobic concrete enclave that will be 'fait accompli' if we do not write a submission to change the situation.

I urge the Whitehorse community to voice their concerns about the project. Here is what can be done:

• Call your current councillor and raise the issue with them. 
• Write a petition to council so that the matter will be raised when the project is on the next agenda. 
• Be prepared to speak to the special committee of council before the full council meets.

PLANNING OBJECTIONS:
When submitting a planning objection please note that it requires five independent households' objections to trigger a planning forum. http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Planning%20Objection%20Submission%20Form.pdf

PETITION TO COUNCIL:
A petition to council is a document signed by a group of people. Petitions are normally used to make a special request of Council in relation to a particular issue. Anyone can send a petition to council.
www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Petition-to-Council.html

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL:
The Special Committee of Council meets one week before the full Ordinary Council. This is the only time that residents may speak at council to present their issue. Read the following page carefully to understand the procedure.
http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Public-Submissions-Guidelines.html

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC QUESTION TIME:
At Ordinary Council Meetings members of the public can submit questions to Council as part of a public question time.
http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Forms-Council-Meetings.html

Here are a few examples of other stations that didn't settle for just a concrete enclave. Noosa Junction station, Roma Street and Normanby Pedestrian Cycle Link