Summary of reasons
The application involved the demolition of a building located within a Heritage Overlay, which required careful consideration under the Wyndham Planning Scheme.
The planning assessment determined that while Kelly Park is covered by a heritage overlay, the building in question was not considered a contributory structure. The Heritage Impact Statement supported this conclusion, indicating that its removal would not negatively impact the site's heritage value.
Public objections were considered during the decision-making process.
The proposal received 50 objections and a petition with 2,123 signatures, primarily citing concerns over the loss of an accessible community facility and questions surrounding the historical nature of the building.
Despite these objections, the council noted that alternative community facilities were available in the area and that some concerns raised (such the opportunity to socialise, details of the insurance policy, recouping costs, open space increasing crime, cost of restoring or rebuilding) could not be considered under the planning process.
The site is within a Public Park and Recreation Zone. Conditions were included in the Notice of Decision to ensure that the heritage trees are protected during the demolition process.
The Notice of Decision to grant the permit has been sent to the applicant.
The decision will be mailed to the objector(s) on Friday who have 28 days (from the date the Notice of Decision was issued) in which to lodge an appeal with the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal. If no appeals are lodged within this period, a planning permit will be issued.