Agenda item

SUMMARY

This application seeks to develop the land at 272 Maroondah Highway Healesville and part of the adjoining Council owned pedestrian laneway for a three storey building for two retail premises at the ground level, three dwellings on the second and third level, and seeks the reduction in carparking requirements of three spaces.

The proposal requires the removal of a non-contributory building currently used as an office to develop the site, however a planning permit is not required for this demolition.

The application seeks building access and installation of an awning along the adjacent Council owned pedestrian laneway. Council’s property department are generally supportive of this, however the permit holder will need to enter into a licensing agreement with Council via separate process following planning approval. The licensing agreement will address function, liability, and maintenance responsibilities. Relevant departments in areas of traffic, infrastructure and property have been made aware of this request and raised no concerns. Necessary conditions on permit are recommended to facilitate this request.

No carparking spaces are provided on the lot. The site does share ownership of and access to a rear nine (9) space informal/gravel surfaced carparking area with the property at 274 Maroondah Highway Healesville. Vehicle access to the carparking area is via Symons Street. The application seeks to secure three of the nine carparking spaces for the dwelling occupants. Relevant permit conditions are recommended addressing the carparking physical layout and installation of design elements to achieve this.

The application received twelve (12) objections with concerns related to general misalignment with Heritage and Township development design outcomes, impacts to commercial businesses, traffic impacts, increase to carparking demand and amenity concerns focused on noise impacts, daylight loss, overlooking and overshadowing into adjoining commercially zoned allotments.

The application exhibits strong alignment to objectives and strategies of Healesville Commercial Precinct (Heritage Precinct) and Healesville District (Healesville Structure Plan) in providing all accessible housing and varied commercial uplift within Healesville Town Centre. 

The high-quality building design respects and enhances the existing commercial streetscape character and pedestrian function, and demonstrates a positive relationship with adjoining properties, including the Grand Hotel.

The proposal including the building design detailing is an excellent example of delivering on Council’s sustainable development strategic direction.

Overall, it is considered that the proposal demonstrates a strong alignment with the relevant policies and provisions of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. It is recommended that a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit be issued subject to conditions.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Laurence Paratz spoke in objection of the recommendation included in the officer report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Marius Vogal spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.