mmg.com.au

A decision on a controversial subdivision on the outskirts of Seymour is expected to be made within the next two weeks.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last week finished hearing submissions on the proposed 72-lot development at Webb Ave.

Most of the debate centres around the need for a second access to the subdivision, especially in times of emergency.

Mitchell Shire councillors gave the reason when initially rejecting the application last year, and the council, represented by Torquay-based planner David Merrett, reinforced that at a hearing in December.

Adrian Atkins, for the developer, said then that a second exit did not have to be a formed road.

Both sides held their positions at last week’s hearing, which was mainly about what conditions the project should have were it to get the go-ahead.

Carney Cres resident Bill Rudd-Schmidt, who has represented local residents at the hearings, said VCAT member Megan Carew should not consider other decisions approving subdivisions at Geelong and Ballarat, which Mr Atkins tendered as reasons Webb Ave should get the go-ahead.

‘‘Those are large cities with different pressures (to Seymour, including growth),’’ he said.

‘‘That’s not an issue in Seymour and it’s not going to be for decades, if not centuries. I’d ask that the tribunal consider this application in alignment with the considerations of people that live in a small rural town and not to apply the expectations of metropolitan areas.’’

Mr Rudd-Schmidt reiterated residents were not ‘‘anti-development’’.

‘‘If proper access was provided to this development I don’t hold any objections to it.’’

Ms Carew — who visited the site earlier this month and said it was ‘‘more undulating than I thought’’ — then indicated she had intended to make a decision following a short break, but due to the detail of the final submissions, she would need more time.

‘‘I am conscious this matter has gone on for some time ... you should have a decision within two weeks,’’ she said.