By Mikayla van Loon
Belgrave will finally have a multi-deck carpark after a planning application was recently approved by Yarra Ranges Council.
Talk of a new carpark has been in circulation for a number of years, after the impact of limited parking started to affect local businesses and those wanting to travel by train.
The council passed the motion unanimously on 23 March for the proposed 667 space, three-storey carpark to be built.
Improvements to the entrance of the station on Belgrave-Gembrook Road and the bus interchange will also be undertaken.
A total of eight objections were submitted to the council surrounding the impacts on the environment, tree removal, increased traffic movements, noise and public safety.
Landcare representative Judy Donnelly spoke at the 23 March council meeting to express concerns about the disruption to flora and fauna, as well as the visual appearance of the structure.
“The Landcare group does not dispute the need for additional parking at the station, we do, however, have two main objections,” Ms Donnelly said.
Ms Donnelly said the current footprint of the build will result in the removal of 42 trees “which form a critical link in the wildlife corridor that runs along the rail line.”
“The station’s landscape is already very compromised of course, as a result of the paving and the rail lines. This surely increases the value of the remaining vegetation.”
The second concern Landcare raised was the carpark’s ability to blend with the rest of Belgrave architecture.
“There’s no question that its appearance must positively contribute to its local context and be a source of pride for local residents and indeed for the shire and VicTrack,” Ms Donnelly said. “It could be a real show piece.”
Councillor Johanna Skelton made changes to the planning permit application to include provisions of electrical vehicle charging (EVC) points to be installed and an ecologist be on hand throughout the build to ensure flora and fauna are protected and cared for where possible.
“To reduce road congestion and emissions we need to do anything we can to make public transport more accessible and attractive. Being able to park in Belgrave and catch the train is important for many residents from the Yarra Ranges and even Cardinia Shire,” Ms Skelton said.
“I was pleased to have Council support in ensuring that the car park will be built with electric vehicle charging points in mind and that our community will be able to have input into that roll out in future.”
Planner for the build Kelly Nelson spoke on behalf of the applicant and said 11 EVC car parks have been provisioned. Two accessible EVC car parks will be provided in addition to the 11.
Ms Nelson also spoke to the issue of tree removal and said not all 42 trees will be removed but rather may be pruned significantly.
VicTrack and GHD Pty Ltd have planned to replace any destroyed trees with similar, mature trees after the build.
Ms Skelton said the old 170 parking-space carpark was not benefiting the community’s needs in both public transport accessibility and supporting local businesses.
“The impact of all day commuter parking was spilling over to Tecoma and Upwey towns as well,” Ms Skelton said.
“Many residents were driving to the city rather than spending time trawling for parking spots along the train line.”
Ms Skelton was grateful to everyone who submitted a formal objection to the council and all those who raised the question about EVC parking, as it formed the final plan which was approved.
“Their input was invaluable for getting the best possible outcome for our community.”
