Charges over alleged brothel

KNOX City Council is pursuing a criminal charge against the owner of a Ferntree Gully property alleged to be an illegal brothel.
The case is now on public record, with an adjourned date of 11 August at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court.
Knox City Council communications manager Kath Oakley said the premises had not acquired a planning permit and that it was not possible for a permit to be issued for a brothel in a residential zone.
“Council is in process of prosecuting for the alleged running of a brothel without a planning permit,” she said.
“Council is charging them with breaching the Planning and Environment Act.
“You cannot get a permit for a brothel in a residential area.”
Ms Oakley said there were two legal brothels within the municipality but they were located within industrial zones.
Knox planning manager David Vorcheimer said the case was deemed to be criminal.
“It is being prosecuted as a criminal offence as it is contrary to the provision of the Planning and Environment Act, which is an offence against the statute.”