Concerns over hostel scheme

A MONBULK man has accused a local council of trying to rush through the approval of an 80-bed backpackers hostel.
Robert Stephens said that the Shire of Yarra Ranges wasn’t taking residents’ concerns over the proposed development seriously.
His comments come after the council last week held a consultation meeting with objectors to the development.
The proposed development is for an 80-bed backpacker hostel in Monbulk Road.
But the council has denied that it is trying to rush the development through.
Community relations manager James Martin said the council had followed usual process where planning matters were concerned.
Mr Martin said the objectors had been given the chance to air their concerns at a public meeting.
He said the matter was still only in the initial stages.
Mr Martin said the council had no hidden agenda on the backpackers hostel but was following planning protocols.
Mr Stephens said following last week’s meeting, the councillors had committed to looking into the residents’ concerns but he still had his reservations.
“We just hope they take this matter seriously, more than they have so far,” he said.
“I’m still not confident with the input councillors have had regarding this process.”
Mr Stephens said the development would be an eyesore if approved and that it was contrary to the shire’s planning scheme.
He said the area was currently zoned low density residential and that a backpackers hostel would be prohibited.
However, Mr Martin said that the zoning for the property currently allowed for backpackers accommodation.
The proposed development is due to go before a council meeting within the next month.