By MELISSA MEEHAN
THE Monbulk Aldi development is back on hold as the Yarra Ranges Council and other involved parties head back to VCAT.
The council confirmed that they would go back to VCAT in the next few weeks in relation to amended plans to remove two shops at the front of the development.
In September, the Mail reported that Aldi had chosen to appeal the planning permit that was issued.
“The appeal is limited to specific conditions on the permit, namely setback distances of buildings to specific trees, and the installation of roller shutters/gates on the basement carpark and loading bay,” Yarra Ranges Shire director of Planning, Building and Health, Andrew Paxton said in September.
“Council’s planning department seeks to work with big business in a number of towns and areas in Yarra Ranges to encourage local employment and activity in these towns.
“In this case, Aldi has been given the certainty of being issued with a planning permit by the council.”
Mr Paxton said Aldi decided not to agree with a very limited number of matters on the permit, mostly relating to trees.
Silvan resident Bruce Johnson said he was under the impression that the dispute was over a tree branch that hung over the property boundary.
“Monbulk desperately needs more business in town with about a dozen shops closed,” Mr Johnson said.
“Aldi would be the best thing going, just like sliced bread.
“The council planning officers have delayed the development of the new store for over 12 months, all these problems should have been sorted in the development stage.”
He said by asking Aldi to move its building back and redesign the project to save one branch was causing further delays.
