John Pesutto slams ‘desperate’ Vic gov’s planning process

Hawthorn residents and local MP John Pesutto have slammed state planning processes after two historic properties were approved for demolition before their replacement was approved.They fear the Riversdale Rd site could be left standing vacant for months or years in the midst of a housing crisis, as no planning permit has yet been issued for the anticipated seven-storey apartment complex mooted to replace the homes built in the 1800s.Riversdale Residents Group members, with local MP John Pesutto, are fighting a proposal to demolish two historic properties and build a seven-level apartment complex.The Riversdale Residents Group is also worried the proposal for 42 residences would end with a seven-storey building in an area where Victorian regulations generally only allow four storeys.RELATED: Andy Lee reveals huge progress on $5m Hawthorn mansion renoEx-premier Ted Baillieu’s Hawthorn home sells after marathon effortThe Block’s reported $1.1m Sunbury land deal raises questions over taxpayer value An application lodged with the state government’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP) is due to be considered by the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, once she receives a formal submi...