By Parker McKenzie
A five-year battle for the development of a multi-story complex in Belgrave seems to have finally reached a conclusion, with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) upholding Yarra Ranges Council’s decision to refuse a planning permit.
VCAT made the decision after Pulitano Properties appealed a Yarra Ranges Council decision to reject a planning permit application for the development of the site on 29 September, 2020. The original permit was submitted in 2017 and faced resistance and objection from local residents.
The tribunal sat for 16 days, double the original eight allocated for the matter to be heard.
“We have concluded that the proposal does not result in an acceptable outcome on the review site.” the tribunal said.
The site at 2-14 Monbulk Road, located within the Belgrave Activity Centre and next to a Puffing Billy railway terminal, was earmarked for the development of a complex featuring a supermarket, shops, a café, offices and a childcare centre.
Director of planning, design and development Kath McClusky said the planning application was refused by council because it would overdevelop the site, impact the protected Puffing Billy interface and it did not meet the requirements of the policies within the Yarra Ranges planning scheme.
“Council has presented a strong position at the Tribunal, calling a number of expert witnesses in traffic management, planning policy and urban design to support its case,” she said.
“Council’s position on the application was further strengthened by a group of passionate community advocates including the Emerald Tourist Railway Board and Save the Dandenongs League Inc.,
“After 16 days of hearings, the Tribunal has determined to uphold Council’s original decision to refuse a permit. Yarra Ranges Council is pleased with the outcome of the hearings and we believe that this is the best result for the township of Belgrave.”
The plans included a five-storey building overlooking Puffing Billy Railway station and a two-storey high building on Monbulk Road.
Groups including the Belgrave Tecoma Township Group opposed the development and the community contributed $38,000 in funding towards expert opinion.
The Township Group treasurer Karl Williams, who was an in-person respondent at the hearing, said the decision was the result of a “battle between two armies.”
“I’m really overjoyed with the decision,” he said.
“Because of the many grounds the application was rejected on, it’s basically made it very difficult for the developer to appeal the decision.”
The building that stands on the site, which fell into disrepair when the old tenants Belgrave Motors moved to a new location in Tecoma, is currently empty.
“We would encourage any future application for the site to consider all of the matters raised in the VCAT decision and to speak with the Planning Department about future outcomes for the Belgrave Motors site.” Ms McClusky said.
Pulitano Properties has owned the site since October 1985 and commenced discussions regarding a possible redevelopment with council in 2015.
The Star Mail attempted to contact Pulitano Properties for comment. It is unclear if they intend to appeal the decision.
