Medical expansion expected

By Tania Martin
MONTROSE Medical Centre’s expansion could be a step closer if plans are approved at a council meeting tonight.
Despite receiving eight objections, Yarra Ranges Council is expected to approve the plans.
If approved, the existing centre at 3 Swansea Road, would be expanded onto the adjoining properties at 5-7 Swansea Road.
The proposed development would see four consulting rooms added to the practice, along with a pathology service, private waiting room, a nurse treatment room, pharmacy and toilet facilities.
The new extension would also have an internal direct access to the existing centre.
Another 25 car parking spaces will also be added to the present 15 spaces.
Nearby residents have called for the council to reject the application on the grounds a commercial business would be encroaching on residential areas.
They also claim increased traffic, noise and lighting would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the area.
Residents also fear the extension would lead to property devaluation.
However, a report to be presented to the council states the extension would unlikely result in an ‘unreasonable’ distribution of traffic flow along Swansea Road.
A traffic survey of the area in March 2008 showed an average weekly traffic volume of 1286 vehicles per day.
The report said the medical centre extension would only generate a further 472 movements.
“It (Swansea Road) is able to cater for up to 2000 vehicle movements a day…even with the proposed medical centre it could safely and efficiently cater for an additional 342 vehicle movements,” the report said.
It also stated claims of property devaluation were not able to be substantiated and not considered a legitimate planning consideration.
“The medical centre on this site is well located to cater for the surrounding community and will not have an unreasonable impact on the amenity of the area,” the report stated.