Vehicle outlet

By Kath Gannaway
The application by Apex Building Design Studio sought to develop land at 1 Armstrong Grove to construct two warehouse buildings including one for motor vehicle repairs and sales.
A landscape supply business currently operates on the site that is zoned Industrial 3.
Fourteen submissions from nearby residents were received.
Mr Neil Rose spoke on behalf of objectors saying residents had been shocked at the proposed size and height of buildings and the impact on their lifestyle.
“Some issues have been addressed to some respect, but there are still issues with hours of operation and the potential for noise impact,” he said.
The developer will be required to plant semi-mature screening plants along the north, west and southern boundaries before the development can be used.
“The best outcome that one could hope for is where a compromise is reached and where everyone goes home slightly disappointed with the result,” he said.
A condition of the permit was that motor vehicle repairs can only be carried out between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and between 7am and 1pm on Saturday.
Motor sales can operate over the same time frame with an extension to 5pm on Saturdays.
There were a number of conditions also imposed by Melbourne Water to ameliorate the site’s location in a flood plane, including the use of flood resistant materials and approval of plans for flood walls and a levee prior to work commencing.
The application was passed unanimously with Cr Jeanette McRae noting the application had been through a rigorous process that reflected the sensitive nature of the interface (with nearby residents).
Cr Len Cox, however, said he was “very cross” there wasn’t a landscape plan available with the application.
“I would have thought that was paramount to the surrounds,” he said.