A TRIBUNAL member has slammed a development approved by Moira Council at Yarrawonga, labelling it “one of the most poorly conceived and incomplete applications” he’s seen.
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The council ticked off on a proposal for a licensed live music venue with a 600 person capacity on Hunt Street last July.
The permit required further building approval.
The development for the vacant block, lodged by Tony Scalzo, was appealed by Leonard Crothers before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
VCAT member Michael Deidun slammed the council’s approval, noting there was no information about the scale and height of the building, how the building would integrate with the surrounding area, and what it would look like.
“I am amazed that a permit applicant can expect a permit from an authority to build a structure, without actually providing any plans or elevations of that proposed structure,” he said.
“In effect, I am being asked to approve a building I have almost no details about, do not know what it will look like, how tall it is, what its walls are made of, or any other important details.
“To provide two analogies, that is like asking the Australian Tax Office to approve your tax return without revealing to them your taxable income, or asking a bank to approve your loan, without telling them how much money you wish to borrow.”
Mr Crothers’ lawyer described the proposal as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”, which the VCAT member said he couldn't disagree with.
“I am very surprised that Moira City Council is prepared to grant a planning permit for this building, while having absolutely no idea or control over what it will look like,” Mr Deidun said.
“Indeed, the permit sought to be issued by council is so devoid of any built form controls, that it and the plan put before it would even allow the construction of a four storey building on the land.
“This is one of the most poorly conceived and incomplete applications I have been asked to review as a tribunal member.
“The applicant in this proceeding has sought to establish a major live music entertainment venue without any documented concept of what is actually going to occur on site, and how the proposal will be managed.”
Concerns were also raised about the impact the venue would have on parking.
The original council decision was set aside.
