A NEW lobby group has been formed to fight controversial State Government plans for a 13-storey apartment building next to the new Ormond railway station.

Caulfield Liberal MP David Southwick, who organised the public meeting on Monday night, said Ormond residents and traders were furious about the government’s “stealth” decision to build a 13-storey apartment building in their backyard with zero consultation.

“My Coalition colleagues and I will work with the new committee, to give Ormond residents a voice — something which Daniel Andrews tried to take away,” Mr Southwick said.

“The 13 storey Ormond Sky Tower was never part of the plans shown and discussed with the public for the North Road level crossing removal.”

“It will overshadow the removal of the North Road level crossing with more congestion, disruption and impact the amenity of Ormond.”

“The government must come clean with their secret Sky Tower plans and work with residents towards an outcome that complements the local amenity,” he said.

Ulupna Rd resident Leanne Phillips, who has lived in the area for 20 years and is a member of the new group, said the group hopes to create a dialogue between the community and State Government.

“As long-time residents, we would like some transparency on what’s going to be done with the space,” Ms Phillips said.

“The character of the area has been severely degraded and if this development does go forward there will be so much congestion and parking issues,” she said.

Newham Rd resident David Evans-Smith, whose house has been in his family for 80 years and lives directly opposite the construction, said he was infuriated by the lack of communication and consultation by the State Government.

“What’s most frustrating is that as residents, we have been kept in the dark regarding the whole matter,” Mr Evans-Smith said.

“We have strong family ties and connections with Ormond and if the proposed construction does go ahead, we’ll unfortunately have to consider moving — which is devastating,” he said.

Ormond Traders Association president David Trotter said traders had already struggled to stay afloat through months of rail works.

“Traders feel disillusioned due to the lack of consultation regarding the matter, especially with Christmas coming up, meaning that we are unable to plan for anything at this stage.

“Everyone’s really scared right now,” he said.

State Government spokesman Jordy Jeffrey-Bailey said the proposed development will be put on public exhibition shortly, and locals will have an opportunity to provide submissions and have their say.

“Public hearings will be held in February, Mr Jeffrey-Bailey said.

A No Ormond Sky Tower Facebook page has been created by residents and traders opposing the proposed construction.