By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A PLANNING application for the subdivision of the historic ‘Glen Harrow’ estate in Belgrave will be put through Yarra Ranges Council for a third time in six years.
The applicants are seeking approval to subdivide the land, remove vegetation from the estate and build a new driveway next to Trees Adventure on Old Monbulk Road.
The planning application has received a number of submissions in opposition, citing concerns from the community including unclear plans, potential for commercial use, traffic and car parking, impacts upon the treed environment and heritage value, and wildlife habitat and more.
A previous application to use the same lot for a store and two bed and breakfast buildings was refused by council in 2010.
Another application for a three-lot subdivision never made it before council for a vote after the planning permit lapsed in 2011.
The most recent application to divide the land into two lots was refused by council in 2013 and VCAT affirmed the council’s decision later that same year.
One Belgrave resident raised concerns with The Mail about the traffic a subdivision and possible development of the land might bring.
“Belgrave and the hills are getting more and more populated,” the resident said.
“There is already gridlock in Belgrave most days and it never used to happen, even a few years ago.”
The matter will be put before the council on Tuesday night 8 March.
