Residents fight plaza

Bannockburn development goes to VCAT

THE development of Bannockburn’s much-maligned plaza has hit another roadblock, with residents choosing to fight the development through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The controversial two-level plaza redevelopment was approved by Golden Plains Shire councillors in October.

The proposal was divisive with council failing to approve the plans at a previous meeting.

In October Mayor Helena Kirby and Crs Nathan Hansford, Des Phelan and Les Rowe voted in favour of granting the planning permit while Cr David Evans voted against.

Cr Owen Sharkey abstained from the vote due to a declared indirect conflict of interest, and Cr Joanne Gilbert was absent from the meeting.

In a report presented to councillors before the vote, council officers maintained their steadfast belief that the two-level centre, anchored by Woolworths and featuring a gym, should be permitted.

Following the approval Cr Kirby said “council acknowledges that this redevelopment is of great interest to our com- munity, and council was pleased to be able to support it.

“We look forward to the new redevelopment being completed by the applicant.”

A VCAT spokeswoman confirmed objectors lodged the appeal on November 12.

A Golden Plains Shire Council spokeswoman confirmed the shire was aware an appeal to the redevelopment has been lodged.

A hearing is scheduled for May 15.

A redevelopment of the plaza has been in the pipeline for years.

A planning permit was approved in 2011, but the controversial redevelopment failed to eventuate.