By MELISSA MEEHAN
FAST food in a flash won’t be an option for Yarra Ranges diners, after the Victorian Government approved planning changes stopping drive throughs in the area.
The changes, focusing on stopping new drive-through restaurants in Belgrave, Tecoma, Mount Dandenong, Kallista, Olinda and Sassafras are the first in the state.
Approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy, the council’s amendment will come into effect this week, and discourage drive through sales on new commercial developments.
Speaking at the Community Cabinet in Upwey last Monday, Mr Guy said the changes would make it much more difficult for fast food chains to set up in the area.
He also said it would be much more difficult for McDonalds to obtain a planning permit for its Tecoma restaurant if the amendment had been in place.
Mr Guy was asked numerous questions about his inability to step in on the controversial development, with many saying that the community felt as though their voices hadn’t been heard.
“There are two ways you can solve some of the issues you’ve raised, you can change the appeal mechanism or look at a change to zoning or schedule structure,” he said.
“This council (as a result of the C126) will get a hell of a lot more protection than it had in the past.”
Tecoma Village Action Group (TVAG) president Nicole Gale thanked Mr Guy and fellow ministers for approving the planning changes.
“Having our voices heard in the political process is one of the cornerstones we have had to overcome,” she said.
“The planning laws have to give the community a chance to have their concerns heard.”
