Group’s factory fears

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE Town Watch (HTW) fears a proposed subdivision at the western entrance to the town will give visitors the wrong first impression.
The owners of a 3.2-hectare site on Maroondah Highway, FNQ Developments, are applying for the land, zoned Industrial Three, to be subdivided into three lots and an area of common property.
HTW, Healesville Environment Watch and neighbouring property owners are among a number of individuals and groups that have lodged objections to the application, concerned factories will be built on the site if the proposal is approved.
The company originally lodged its subdivision application with The Shire of Yarra Ranges.
It has now taken the matter directly to VCAT on the grounds the council failed to determine the application within the required 60 days.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges’ manager of community relations, James Martin, said the application would still go before council, possibly at the council meeting on 13 December.
“VCAT will be advised of the council decision, which they will take into account as part of their deliberations,” he told the Mail.
Although no application to construct buildings has been lodged with council, HTW spokesperson Lesley Conway said the proposed subdivision strongly suggested it was being groomed for the development of factories.
“What concerns us is that because of its zoning we could see a repeat of the type of industrial development (the Giant Steps Winery) that has been built on the highway at the eastern gateway to the town,” Ms Conway said.
“Maroondah Highway has been identified as a major tourist route and, given the industrial development at Healesville’s east end, we insist that these unfortunate urban design elements are not repeated at the western entrance to the town,” she said.
Ms Conway said HTW believed the Shire of Yarra Ranges had missed an opportunity to re-zone the land and to consult with the wider community on an appropriate use.
Property owners abutting the site were notified of the application, and signs were displayed on the site.
But Ms Conway said that with substantial developments that affected the whole community, the notification provided to nearby property owners should be extended to the wider community.
“The bottom line for us in this case is that approval of the re-subdivision may prejudice further options for the development of this very prominent site in a way that is appropriate to its position as an entry to Healesville,” Ms Conway said.
She added that discussions with residents and others in the community had identified a convention centre, good quality low-density housing and entertainment facilities for young people as three possible uses.
“Given that it was recently reported that a Shire of Yarra Ranges study into local accommodation found there were only 251 beds available across the shire at any one time, a convention centre with accommodation is something that could meet a need and provide jobs.”
Ms Conway said objectors should expect to be notified by the Shire of Yarra Ranges of the date for the matter to go before council and by VCAT of the hearing date when they will have the opportunity to put their views forward.
The Mail contacted John Lordan of FNQ Developments, who had no comment to make on the proposal.