Supermarket plan gets panel backing

By Kath Gannaway
AN independent panel report released last week gives overwhelming support for the proposed Yarra Glen supermarket development.
The report recommends adoption of an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme to allow rezoning of land in the Urban Growth Boundary from residential to business use and that a planning permit be issued for the supermarket and associated parklands.
The report by Kathryn Mitchell as Chair and William O’Neil, found the proposal would result in a benefit to Yarra Glen community by providing a “much needed development for the diverse and growing community.”
The panel rejected the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ call for a Section 173 Agreement which would compel the developer to build the parkland prior to the supermarket, or for a Design and Development Overlay over the project.
While the recommendations have been welcomed by developer Chris O’Connor, director of Yarra Valley Land Development Pty Ltd, Veronica Holland spokesperson for Save Our Rural Towns (SORT) residents opposing the development, said it showed no real understanding of the town or community of Yarra Glen.
Shire of Yarra Ranges’ director of planning, James Lamour Reid, said the matter was expected to go before council some time in June.
Mr O’Connor said he was not assuming council support but hoped for a positive outcome.
“Hopefully this will give them (councillors) confidence that their desire to run through the process and see if it is a project of merit has been vindicated,” he said.
Ms Holland said council had hand-balled making a decision and it was now back in their court.
“The council still has the opportunity to think about what their role is – to protect their planning scheme and represent their communities,” she said.