By PETER DOUGLAS
A NEGOTIATED licence between Parks Victoria and the owners of Burnham Beeches has angered a community group local to the Sherbrooke area.
The licence agreement will allow Burnham Beeches patrons use of the main entrance of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, which Parks Victoria says is safer than the existing access point into the historic property.
While the licence does not provide for exclusive access, which means anyone will still be able to access the site via the road, the decision has upset the recently formed Burnham Beeches Community Information Group.
The burgeoning group formed after the 19 August public meeting at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, regarding the future of the historic site.
There are now about 200 people on the group’s mailing list.
Parks Victoria District Manager Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Ranges, Craig Bray, confirmed the agreement, and said the decision was based on safety.
“Parks Victoria has negotiated an access licence agreement with Burnham Beeches for use of the main entrance of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens under the Forests Act,” he said.
“Council has acknowledged access via the road through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens is safer than the existing access point into the Burnham Beeches property.
“Parks Victoria is an advocate of the local tourism industry and is supportive of Burnham Beeches as a tourism development.”
Mr Bray said it was proposed that a wire mesh fence would be removed by the developer at their expense, which would enhance the visitor experience and provide easier access.
Parks Victoria Acting District Manager, Matthew Hoogland, played down concerns over increased traffic, as a result of any future development at the site.
“Traffic will be limited to the driveway and is not expected to be an issue,” he said.
“A dedicated pedestrian path will be constructed at the neighbour’s cost, which will link the front gate to the existing pedestrian path for public safety.
“Parks Victoria was aware of the proposal for increased tourism accommodation prior to the licence agreement.”
Mr Hoogland said the exact date the driveway access would start was yet to be confirmed.
Yarra Ranges Council in August rejected a call from the owners for a planning scheme amendment that would allow about 60 hotel villas on the site.
The villas were to be sold as investment properties to raise funds to complete the overall development of Burnham Beeches.
The Alfred Nicholas Garden has a rich history in the area.
In 1965, the Alfred Nicholas Institute donated the gardens to the public through the Shire of Sherbrooke.
Parks Victoria manages the garden, while Burnham Beeches is privately owned by celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and developer Adam Garrisson.
Betty Marsden, president of The Save the Dandenongs League, said she was against the licence agreement.
“This was a private residence and was never intended for this type of use,” she said.
“Shannon Bennett raves on about his vision, but Alfred Nicholas had a vision, too.
“This will eventually be used by a lot of people, it would be backed up for goodness knows how long.”
For further information on the Burnham Beeches Information Group, members have requested inquiries via email to bbinfogroup@gmail.com.
The Mail has attempted to contact developer Shannon Bennett, but who failed to respond before deadline.
Any updates will be uploaded to www.starcommunity.com.au.
Tell us what you think about the licence agreement, email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
