By KATH GANNAWAY
THE visual impact of a proposed telecommunications tower in Millgrove is expected to be a focal point of discussion when the planning application comes before Yarra Ranges Council on Tuesday (25 March).
Telstra has applied to Yarra Ranges Council to erect the 40metre monopole and base station on the Premier Timber Milling site, formerly known as Inverarity Mill.
The council has received around 50 objections and petitions both against and in support of the tower.
Yarra Ranges Council planners have recommended the application be refused, saying that while Telstra has made a case for the tower to improve communications, it had failed the ‘balloon test’ and would be visually obtrusive when viewed from the Warburton Highway.
Balloons were raised around 35 metres to gauge the visual impact.
“The balloons, even though only reaching a maximum height of approximately 35 metres, clearly rose above the ridgeline of the surrounding mountains to the east and south-east of the Millgrove Township,” the report to council states.
The application will be heard on Tuesday at Lilydale. The council meeting starts at 7pm.
