By Peter Douglas
THE Burnham Beeches Preservation Group is encouraging residents to learn more about the historic site’s redevelopment at a public meeting on Thursday, 10 November.
Due to be held at 7.30pm at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, the meeting aims to educate citizens concerned over the revised planning permit, which celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and development partner Adam Garrison have put forward.
Presently, Yarra Ranges Shire ratepayers have the chance to provide feedback on planning scheme amendment C143, and a concurrent planning permit, which will enable the development of a hotel and resort at the site.
The Burnham Beeches Preservation Group was set up after the initial plan called for the construction of dozens of villas on-site.
Though a revised permit has now been submitted, group member Rick Wall said there still were concerns over increased usage.
“While the amended plan has dropped the villas, there are still concerns about traffic flows with the new facility expected to attract hundreds of vehicles,” he said.
“The timing of the mansion works and other issues, such as the impact of a private development on the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, (are a concern).”
In October last year, a negotiated licence between Parks Victoria and the owners of Burnham Beeches angered a community group local to the Sherbrooke area.
The licence agreement will allow Burnham Beeches patrons use of the main entrance of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, which Parks Victoria says is safer than the existing access point into the historic property.
However, Parks Victoria Acting District Manager, Matthew Hoogland, played down concerns over increased traffic, as a result of any future development at the site.
Mr Wall said the group was not completely against the redevelopment, but just wanted the community to be educated and able to provide appropriate feedback.
“(We’re) not attempting to block the redevelopment but want to ensure local concerns are taken into account,” he said.
“Their Piggery Cafe is already operating on the site which, if the plans go ahead, will also boast a brewery, restaurant, provedore and an area for music concerts and markets.
“The ‘jewel in the crown’ is the complete refurbishment of the historic Burnham Beeches mansion which will become a six-star hotel.”
Residents with planning queries are urged to submit them via the Burnham Beeches Preservation Group website at www.burnhambeechespreservationgroup.wordpress.com.
The questions will then be forwarded to Yarra Ranges Shire, with the answers to be discussed in detail at the community meeting.
Meanwhile, submissions for the amendment to Yarra Ranges Shire close at 5pm on Tuesday, 22 November.
The application is now on public exhibition.
More details at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
