Council stands firm on car parking in Yarragon

A two storey development combining residential and commercial uses has been approved for Yarragon, but Baw Baw Shire did not succumb to the applicants’ request to waiver car parking.

The proposal was described as a “watershed” development by ward councillor Murray Cook.

While praising the unique business proposal – with a 1950s style café and a gallery – Cr Cook reminded councillors of their responsibilities to provide adequate car parking for the town.

The applicants sought a reduction in car parking for the development proposed for land at 83 Princes Hwy.

Cr Cook moved that 12 car spaces had to be provided on site to meet parking needs generated by the two businesses.

However, his motion was defeated and council instead opted for six car parks.

The two storey building proposed to cater for two commercial premises on the ground floor whilst upstairs would be used by the applicants for their residence. A shed also was proposed on the site.

Planners presenting the proposal recommended council refuse the application, saying it was not consistent with the purpose of the commercial zone and would affect the amenity of the area.

Applicants Barry and Kathy Hentshel told council they had outlined their proposed development to planning staff before they purchased the property.

Mr Hentshel said they had many discussions with planners about the appropriate design and features of the development.

Mrs Hentshel said they made a conscious decision to move to Yarragon, operate their businesses and had become a part of the community and a number of clubs.

She said their business would add diversity to anything offered in Yarragon with a 1950s diner that will have all the atmosphere of the era and an in-house artist that will add to the artistry of the area.

Planning consultant Joey Whitehead said council had waived car parking requirements in other towns.

“There is usually a general acceptance that a reduction is granted because of the economic benefit,” she said.

Cr Cook supported the development, proposing council approve the permit with a condition that 12 car spaces be provided at the back of the building.

He said parking at the western end of the town was now fully utilised.

He said forward planning was required to provide parking at the eastern end.

“If there is no parking people do not stop. It is only fair the developers contribute their fair share of parking.

“This council should not create a parking problem that future councils have to fix.

“Unfortunately the block is too small to cater for everything they want to do. Without the shed, the 12 car parking spaces can be provided on site,” he said.

Cr Peter Kostos said the two businesses would bring more people into the town.

“If these people are successful, somewhere down the track, someone will be screaming there is not enough parking. The parking has to be addressed,” he said.

Only Crs Cook and Kostos supported the motion.

With the motion defeated, Cr Gerard Murphy proposed council approve the application with a condition that six car parking spaces be provided on site.

Cr Murphy said the applicants may not be able to provide secure parking for their own vehicles, but there had to be car parking on site.

Cr Mikaela Power said it was a pity that some of the “imagination, spirit and style” that had gone into this proposal had been lost to debate about car parking.

Cr Terry Williamson said the eastern end of Yarragon needed a shake-up so it was far better to have a parking problem than not attract the new business.