August 6th, 2023The Block in Daylesford?

Words: Donna Kelly

A PLANNING application for five dwellings at 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford, has people wondering if it is the site of next year’s series of television show The Block.
The site is diagnally opposite the Farmers Arms Hotel.
The application to Hepburn Shire Council has a report prepared by Niche Planning Studio but the name of the applicant and owner of the land, on the corner of Raglan Street and the Midland Highway, has been redacted (blacked out).
The application says it supports the proposed development of five carbon-neutral, architecturally designed residential dwellings.
Each has a large kitchen and living/dining area with a mezzanine. There are five bedrooms in wings, two with en-suite bathrooms and all with access to a terrace. There is also another bathroom, rumpus room, three-car garage – and a heated swimming pool.
The application says a key principle is to maintain Daylesford’s leafy and spacious entry along the Midland Highway, transitioning from rural farmland to township-built form character.
It says access to the Midland Highway for the 3.8-hectare site has been proposed in a previously lodged application to Hepburn Shire Council.
Queries to Hepburn Shire Council Birch Ward councillors Jen Bray and Lesley Hewitt, and Mayor Brian Hood, were not responded to by press time. A query to Niche Planning Studio was also not responded to.
Hygge Property director Adam Walsh said he could not comment on the application but 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford was part of Hygge Property’s Middleton Field community.
The Block has told media outlets it does not comment on future sites although a number of media outlets have published articles saying that The Block will return to a regional area next year and is looking in the Hepburn Shire region.
Meanwhile, reaction on social media to the application is mixed.
“Anyone know more about The Block attempting to get permits to build massive houses and pools on the Wombat Park corner block near The Farmers? That would be devastating for the town! We don’t need a bogan TV station bringing hoards of day trippers.”
“Don’t know what the problem is – they won’t be the only ones building. Think of the money it will bring into the traders of the town.”
“With their Macca’s food van and Bunnings vouchers? Doubt the local small businesses are sponsoring the show.”
“Those places would look ordinary in that paddock. I’m interested to see how long permits take for them in comparison to local applications. Could be interesting.”
“Mitre 10 is the sponsor, and I’m sure there is one across from the site. I think they will be pretty happy to be supporting the build. I think a lot of businesses will benefit. Three months accomm for over 100 production staff, fuel and food just to start with.”
“I bet The Block gets permits while everyone else in the Hepburn Shire has to wait years for a simple one, typical of this shire.”
“The only positive that I can see for this is that otherwise that area is going to be subdivided into suburban (city) sized blocks and then be filled with cookie cutter big houses with little to no yards. If the rumours are true then these Block houses will be older period homes that have been relocated and then renovated and will at least provide a visual buffer from the Midland Highway to what will otherwise be a mini Caroline Springs housing estate.”
“I like that this is where we draw the line…have you looked at the town? It’s a joke. It’s already Caroline Springs.”
“You aren’t going to stop tourists coming or people moving to Daylesford. It’s a commutable distance from Melb and has all the amenities making it a very liveable town for all ages. Better to push for upgrades to services than to fight a losing battle.”
“It’s called progress and brings visitors and dollars into the town. Also more residents that will support local business. Great idea.”
“Don’t know about you but a home on a 2 acre or 1 acre block would be preferable than an estate for 50 blocks and actually help retain the trees. If it was a housing estate you’re more likely to see wholesale cutting out of trees. I do agree that the traffic will be bad and surprised they have built in such a prominent block rather than down some back road where they can control things.”
“I’m pretty sure something else is going in that location and the block is going in Glenlyon.”
“I swear if The Block get permits before us I will sue the council.”
“As they are always having McDonalds does that mean Daylesford will get a Maccas?”