By Kath Gannaway
Last-minute VCAT agreement allows superstore to go ahead…
Construction of an ALDI supermarket in Healesville could start early next year following a marathon VCAT mediation meeting on Tuesday 22 August.
Yarra Ranges Council faced a double-headed appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with ALDI| appealing against the conditions attached to a permit granted in April, and objectors calling for a review of the council’s decision.
The main sticking point for ALDI was a requirement to reduce the overall height of the building from 7.42 metres to 7 metres at the front, and from 11.26 metres to 9.6 metres along the Church and River Street frontages.
Concerns raised by objectors included the scale and height of the building and the lack of an ‘active shop front’.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Social and Economic Development Ali Wastie confirmed that agreement was reached, and a planning permit would be issued.
“The VCAT matters regarding the proposed ALDI supermarket in Healesville have been resolved, with a planning permit to be issued subject to variance agreed to by all parties, including ALDI, VicRoads, the objectors and council,” Ms Wastie said.
She said the matter would not return to the council because a decision had already been made to issue a permit.
“The new permit with the agreed variations will be issued once the VCAT order is made,” she said.
ALDI has welcomed the outcome saying it was “eager to bring their unique shopping experience to more Australians”.
An ALDI spokesperson said the company had been pleased in April that the council had granted approval for the development of a Healesville store, but had lodged the VCAT appeal in relation to a number of conditions which “required further clarification”.
“At the mediation meeting on Tuesday 22 August, the parties were able to reach an agreement which resulted in the matter not being required to go to a full VCAT hearing,” he said.
The Mail understands that some concessions were made to achieve a more active street frontage and to the configuration of the tower to address the height issue while meeting ALDI’s needs.
