By Peter Douglas and Kath Gannaway
The end of an era is nigh, as a familiar sight in Belgrave is set to depart.
At its Tuesday 27 June meeting in Warburton, Yarra Ranges Council supported Belgrave Motors’ bid to relocate to 1571 Burwood Highway, Tecoma.
The move represents the end of decades of service operating from the iconic site, located along the Monbulk Road-Burwood Highway roundabout, which offers a visual gateway to the main street.
Present business owners Shane and Cindy Taylor were forced to look for a new home after site owner and business developer Joe Pulitano, from Pulitano Properties, announced plans to develop a three-storey low, two-storey high development at the site.
The planned hub building stretches 120 metres along Monbulk Road and is set to include a supermarket, childcare centre, shops, offices and a two-level parking station.
Subsequently, the Belgrave Motors’ application sought approval to operate their motor repairs business from the rear of the new site, in addition to an existing carwash.
The carwash and ancillary cafe are to be retained at the front.
There is some concern in the community about the business’s potential impact on local amenity.
Nearby resident and objector, Norman Dalmas, addressed council, saying the conditions applied to ensure resident amenity remained were “pathetic”.
“The site is a poisoned chalice, what is proposed is too much for the site to sustain,” he said.
Mr Dalmas said while he opposed the application, he was not unsympathetic towards the applicant.
He added that he had sound argument for appeal.
The owners of Belgrave Motors told the ‘Mail’ they did not want to comment on the decision until the time for appeal was over.
Meanwhile, all councillors were satisfied the relocation would not affect local amenity.
Cr Clarke said he had engaged with the applicants and was aware of numerous issues within the community.
“It’s been a long journey through council and council officers have been very thorough in the way they’ve handled this matter,” he said.
“The existing owners are looking for a new home and this is a site where they’ll need to downsize a bit and they are aware of that.
“They’ve said they are sensitive to the issues of amenity in regards to neighbours.
“We have to make sure this relationship can be maintained and I have been assured they will hold that utmost in respect to the neighbours.”
Cr Terry Avery added the applicants appeared to have “worked hard to get a good outcome here. Some sensitivity to the neighbours and I think this will be a good outcome”.
A community consultation meeting was organised in May and was attended by three objectors and 22 supporters.
In the application, car usage is estimated to be between five to 10 cars being cleaned per day, with no greater demand for weekends.
The car wash can operate up to 32 vehicles per day.
Another key concern has been increased noise associated from a compressor related to the motor repairs.
Belgrave Motors have said the air compression unit is to be contained in an insulated box in the alcove of the building.
The applicant estimated about seven motor-repair bookings per day could be accommodated.
