Fightin’ Highton

Another victory for ...

HIGHTON residents engaged in a protracted fight against a proposed Bean Squeeze outlet have claimed a knockout victory after the plans were withdrawn ahead of a VCAT hearing.

The stirring three-year battle against the drive-through coffee outlet on Barrabool Rd included members of the adjacent elderly citizens centre who were among the 147 objectors to the plan.

Although the proposal was supported by council officers subject to a raft of conditions, Geelong councillors voted 8-0 against it when it came up more than eight months ago.

But the fight wasn’t officially declared until VCAT recently advised the objectors that Bean Squeeze had withdrawn its appeal against the council decision. Highton resident Jack Green, who has spearheaded the community action, said the VCAT hearing had been set for July 3.

“The whole community is very relieved, particularly for the elderly citizens club,” Mr Green said. “This was clearly going to be dangerous traffic for them and impact on the neighbourhood.”

The drawn out battle began when the original Bean Squeeze application was lodged almost three years ago.

A council panel deferred a decision on the matter in April, 2017, calling for further traffic information.

A revised plan was lodged a year later and council officers recommended a permit be granted, subject to 38 conditions.

Mr Green said there had been extra pressure on the elderly people at the Highton Seniors club as Bean Squeeze took its full time at every step of the process.

“We are very happy now that it is over and we didn’t have to go through the pain of presenting to VCAT,” he said.

Bean Squeeze was unable to be contacted for comment.