_Mixed Use Development in Healesville Town Centre Approved by VCAT

Collie was engaged to assist a client in obtaining planning approval for the use and development of a mixed use development in the Healesville Town Centre at 300-308 Maroondah Highway, opposite the Healesville Walk Shopping Centre. 

The planning permit application sought to add a new floor to the existing commercial building along the site frontage for a function centre / restaurant use and to construct a new three-storey residential building for seven townhouses, recessed into the hillside at the rear of the site. 

Collie assisted with preparing the planning permit application and submitting the initial application to Yarra Ranges Shire Council (Council) however, the application was refused by Council in response to community objections.  Subsequently, an application for review by VCAT was made with compulsory conferences and hearings held with the applicant, Council and objectors. 

Collie continued to provide town planning assistance throughout the VCAT case by responding to VCAT orders, instructing the barrister and expert witness and attending the compulsory conferences and four days of hearings. 

In response to concerns raised by Council and the objectors, the application was amended during the VCAT proceedings to swap the function centre / restaurant use with four ‘shop-top’ style dwellings. 

Collie is very pleased that the application has been approved by VCAT and is looking forward to the development commencing.  The recent decision determined that a permit should be issued subject to the conditions negotiated between parties at the hearing.