By Matthew Sims
Cardinia Council has granted a planning permit for the use and development of land for the construction of a new medical centre in Emerald.
Located at 337 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, the site, which is currently a single-level dwelling, would hold a maximum of 13 different medical specialists for the town and surrounds.
At its meeting on Monday 20 November, councillors passed a motion to grant the permit with 26 conditions, following two further deferrals due to concerns around the traffic impacts of the proposed development.
The overall complex would be four levels, from Belgrave-Gembrook Road it will appear as two, with the two lower levels constructed more to the rear accommodating for the slope toward Madigan Way.
The two lower levels will be mostly comprised of the 42 parking spaces which would be accessible from Madigan Way.
Specialist space will be provided entirely on both upper levels, while a partial section of basement level 1 will have space for service.
Entrance from Belgrave-Gembrook Road would be pedestrian-only, while vehicle entrance and parking would be accessible only from Madigan Way behind the property.
The council has provided their own general and specific amendments to the plan, including a condition to upgrade Madigan Way from Ferres Road to the eastern boundary of the lot.
As Madigan Way would be its sole entry for vehicles, the council requires the road to be upgraded the full length of the lot’s rear boundary.
Other conditions outlined included no more than 13 health practitioners would be allowed to be located on site at any one time and creating four bicycle spaces.
Ranges Ward councillor Jeff Springfield said while the development would be a significant addition to Emerald, it would deliver new health service opportunities to the area.
“I do see it as a net benefit,“ he said.
Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen said requiring the developer to seal Madigan Way was “very important“.
“When it is fully sealed, it’ll present a great opportunity for businesses,“ he said.
