By Derek Schlennstedt
A $31 million development for a school in a green wedge zone in Narre Warren East is going to VCAT.
The applicant appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) following the Yarra Ranges Council decision to refuse a permit.
Council refused the application under delegation in June this year, as it was considered an inappropriate development for the green wedge.
According to a planning report, the developer was seeking a planning permit to use 56 Edebohls Road, Narre Warren East, for a primary and secondary school.
The school would cater to about 1140 students and key features included open terrace areas, one school building the height of 8.7 metres and 97 car parking spaces.
According to a council report, the permit was refused on the basis that “the proposal was contrary to the purpose and decision guidelines of the Green Wedge Zone”.
It also stated that “the built form proposed by the application is considered to be at odds with the surrounding rural landscape character and introduces an urban built form which exhibits a high site coverage, low permeability, minimal setbacks, extensive continuous built form and removal of roadside vegetation”.
The applicant lodged an appeal against this decision to VCAT.
Anyone wishing to make a submission on the proposal can visit www.vcat.vic.gov.au/resources/statement-of-grounds-planning-and-environment-list.
