Decision time

By Tania Martin
THE future of shopping in Yarra Glen will rest in the hands of an independent panel.
This comes as the Shire of Yarra Ranges reaches an impasse on a proposed supermarket complex with 174 people opposed and 70 supporting the application which calls for the rezoning of land from residential to business.
The council will now defer the decision to the panel so all the submissions can be assessed.
The proposal is for a supermarket complex with five speciality retail stores in Bell Street, Yarra Glen.
It will also include the creation of a large Australian flora and fauna park in the centre of town.
Objectors say the development will be out of character with the town, is too big, and that it will ruin the small town shopping experience.
Supporters say it will improve the shopping in the town, will increase employment and the wetland open space will be an asset.
Veronica Holland, spokeswoman for the objectors, said the proposed shopping mall will destroy the character of the town.
Ms Holland last week called for the council to send the application to the panel without stating its support.
“It’s a difficult decision to make because some people want it but most don’t,” she said.
“The council are hand balling it to a panel to make an informed decision so it’s disappointing that they will give it in principal support.”
Ms Holland said if the development is given the green light it will destroy the local shopping experience.
“We enjoy the local intimate shopping experience in Yarra Glen and we are passionately opposed to having a suburban shopping mall in our town,” she said.
“We give up late night shopping to live in this beautiful area that is Yarra Glen and if we want to do a big shop there is always Lilydale and Chirnside Park.”
Chris O’Connor of Yarra Valley Land Development said over the last three years he has tried his best to consult with the community about the project and has been able to refine the proposal to meet residents’ needs.
But Mr O’Connor said he is happy for the council to send the proposal to an independent panel so that a decision can be made.