By EMMA SUN
A PURPOSE-built Ferny Creek restaurant that has been vacant for about 10 years might finally get the green light to open its doors.
The restaurant at 261 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road was constructed in accordance with a planning permit issued by VCAT in 2000 but has never been used as a restaurant.
The permit expired and a Green Wedge A zoning was introduced in 2004, which made the restaurant prohibited due to its size.
Yarra Ranges councillors last Tuesday resolved to appoint an independent panel to consider the submissions in relation to amending Amendment C129, which could potentially allow the restaurant to operate.
The project was not without objections, with Yarra Ranges Council receiving 19 submissions raising issues including light spillage, noise from vehicles and patrons, risk of excessive on-street parking and risk of vehicle accidents.
“The main issues are the appropriateness of the restaurant site in a quiet area and the detriment it is likely to cause to nearby residents,” Peter, one resident, said.
However, Yarra Ranges councillors agreed something needed to move ahead, after such a lengthy hold, and voted for the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel.
Cr Noel Cliff said it was a really sad saga.
“We’re now at a stage where we can put it to a panel away from this place, because it will be an independent group of people where no-one can say we’ve got biased opinions and can look at comments from both sides,” he said.
“I would really like to put this to bed, finished, because it’s not fair on the residents and on the building that’s left there.
“There’s got to be a resolution, they can’t go on living next to it and not know what’s going on.”
