By Peter Douglas
YARRA Ranges Shire ratepayers have the chance to provide feedback on a proposal that will shape the future development of Burnham Beeches.
In question are planning scheme amendment C142, and a concurrent planning permit, which will enable the development of a hotel and resort at the site.
Presently, the land is in a Special Use Zone Schedule 2 (SUZ2), which provides for the use and development of land for major tourist facilities.
However, SUZ2 imposes restrictive limits on patron numbers.
In April this year, developers Shannon Bennett and Adam Garrisson cleared one major planning hurdle when they won council support for a revised proposal.
An initial planning scheme amendment, which included up to 80 hotel villas being built on the site, was rejected in August 2015.
The developers plan to restore the historic mansion as a luxury hotel, with staff accommodation, as well as include a restaurant and microbrewery on the site.
Changes have been requested to allow a larger range of land use than exists, subject to a planning permit.
To achieve this, the owners have proposed to create a new schedule to the Special Use Zone, Schedule 11 (SUZ11).
Yarra Ranges Council Director of Social and Economic Development, Ali Wastie, said the proposal aimed to make future patron caps, and a range of potential land uses, subject to planning permits rather that zone controls.
“This would allow for greater flexibility for operations at Burnham Beeches to change over time,” Ms Wastie said.
“This development would bring a variety of economic benefits by boosting tourism in the area and providing job opportunities.
“The Norris Building is a significant example of an art deco mansion in Australia. It is currently in a dilapidated condition and in need of repair. It would be wonderful to see this heritage restored.”
Ms Wastie said council would need to work carefully through any issues, including possible traffic and landscape impacts.
In conjunction with the planning scheme amendment, the owners of the land have applied for a planning permit for:
* A licensed residential hotel in the Norris Building of 48 rooms (including ancillary bar and dining areas);
* Two licensed restaurants (existing bakery/cafe and a new restaurant) in the piggery building;
* A brewery with associated licensed food and drink areas;
* A shop and licensed food and drink premises;
* Staff accommodation (two buildings) and guest accommodation; and
* Vegetation removal.
The application is now on public exhibition.
Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 22 November, at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
