Winery plans sour

By Melissa Meehan
A DUSTY, unsealed road, labelled dangerous by councillors has proven a dead end for a Seville winery redevelopment.
Seville Estate owners Graham and Margaret Van Der Meulen were disappointed with the Shire of Yarra Ranges decision to block a redevelopment at the small winery at last week’s council meeting.
Based on a submission from neighbouring property owner Virginia Haywood, which included pictures of cars entering and leaving Linwood Road onto Monbulk-Seville Road, councillors declared the stretch of road too dangerous for additional traffic.
The Van Der Meulen’s application was for a new function centre to be built on the property, redevelopment of the existing winery and cellar door and construction of a rotunda and two storage sheds.
“We are really disappointed that our application was refused,” Mrs Van Der Meulen said.
“Especially since the shire’s planner did such a wonderful report on the project and recommended that it be approved.”
When asked about the condition of the road, Mr Van Der Meulen said it was no worse than other unsealed roads throughout the shire.
“There are much worse roads that would carry a lot more traffic than Linwood Road,” Mr Van Der Meulen said.
“And what is seen as dangerous for an extra 70 people should be the same for two – it doesn’t make sense.”
At the meeting, neighbour Ms Haywood pleaded with councillors to consider the effect of a new development on the environment.
“The road is unsealed, which means we already have dust concerns,” Ms Haywood said.
“Not to mention the dangers of large trucks entering the road.”
Another road, Ducks Lane, that could allow access to the Seville Hill Property was put forward as an alternate entry to the property by Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn.
“Ducks Lane is the same width as Linwood Road, and it’s also unsealed,” Mr Van Der Meulen said.
“We would also have to make a road through the vineyards to allow access to the cellar door, which is a problem for us, especially with grape pest fears.”
The decision to oppose the application focused on the nature of the road.
“The road is a big issue,” Councillor Graham Warren said.
“It is problematic when two cars struggle to get past one another on a dirt road, and adding a number of cars would severely impact the amenity of neighbouring properties.”
The Van Der Meuelen’s have not ruled out fighting the decision.
“We understand that it’s hard to balance tourism and residential properties in the shire,” Mr Van Der Meulen said.
“But in current times it is a natural progression for a small boutique winery like ours to be able to grow to stay viable.”