Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 19, 2021 10:21 pm Hi Does anyone have any experience taking Melbourne Water to VCAT? We are in an SBO, and they have rejected our plans in the basis that we need 3metres side setback to allow for 'water flow' in the event of a flood. There are houses in our street and the one behind us with less than 3metres, same SBO, same levels. When we queried this, the response is 'every house is different', despite the fact that our blocks are in fact the same. They also used a comment that we were closer to the source of the water, but given we're not near any water source, other than the sky, not sure how that's possible. It's seems completely arbitrary. We're not sure on next steps. Melbourne water have said if we engage an engineer they will relook at it, but they've already taken over 2 months and we think they'll probably just say no again. Has anyone engaged an engineer or consultant for anything like this? Any advice appreciated. Re: Melbourne Water Rejection 2Aug 06, 2021 5:56 am We're also building in an sbo, so I feel your pain!! Is it 3metres all together or 3metres on both sides? I dont think you'd get anywhere with VCAT unfortunately but perhaps you could get the setbacks slightly reduced if you spoke to a town planning consultant Re: Melbourne Water Rejection 3Aug 06, 2021 8:20 am Leeota We're also building in an sbo, so I feel your pain!! Is it 3metres all together or 3metres on both sides? I dont think you'd get anywhere with VCAT unfortunately but perhaps you could get the setbacks slightly reduced if you spoke to a town planning consultant 3m total, but so frustrating as we deliberately went with a plan to fill our block not knowing this was going to be an issue. We need to reduce by 1.8m, which will really compromise the look and flow of the home. Did you have a similar issue? We knew we had to build up but no idea water flow was going to be an issue... We're considering engaging a Hydolic Engineer, Melbourne Water have said they would review an independent report. Re: Melbourne Water Rejection 4Aug 06, 2021 10:08 pm Tbh, 3m in total so 1.5m on either side doesn’t sound so bad. We originally had 2m on either side so 4m in total. We then changed builders and had to resubmit to Melbourne water and they wanted a larger setback 😖 We met in the middle and now have 3.85 at the front of the house/garage and then roughly 8m around the rest of the house. If I knew then what I know now, we most likely wouldn’t have bought where we did. We had to compromise on a few things, like reducing the size of the garage. I hope you get somewhere with the engineer. Keep me updated! Re: Melbourne Water Rejection 5Aug 07, 2021 2:34 pm The following link shows what happens when people build without thinking about overground flows; https://anewhouse.com.au/2021/03/beware ... -the-road/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. I do enjoy the drama:-D In his latest two videos he has started bringing security guards to site, I am waiting for the punch on to begin lol 6 45549 It's all about wireless, self install now. The cost/benefit of wired setups for the house are no longer what they used to be. Lots of wireless options. Eufy, Arlo and… 2 9794 I’m in a similar position except I’m after sliding 3 stacking doors. I am on a second-story apartment of which the balcony would not adequately fit any bi-fold or… 5 16153 |