Council’s refusal of planning application YR-2017/30 for 2-14 Monbulk Road, Belgrave on October 2 2020 has been upheld by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The planning application was refused by Council on a number of grounds, including overall design and built form concerns, traffic issues and vegetation loss.
It is Council’s view that the application would present an overdevelopment of the site; would impact the Puffing Billy interface which is protected; and does not meet the requirements of many of the policies contained within the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.
The applicant lodged an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against Councils decision to refuse the application.
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.
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.
Council 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.
