By Casey Neill
The community has more time to have its say on plans for an autism school in Coldstream.
Yarra Ranges Councillors were due to consider the item at their Tuesday 12 February meeting so submissions were to close on 22 January.
But they’ve cancelled the 12 February meeting, pushing the decision to their 26 February meeting and the public feedback deadline to 4pm on Thursday 14 February.
Lyrebird College is asking to lease about 4000 square metres of clear grassland on Kelso Street within Fairway Park for five years, with a potential four-year second term, to establish a school for children with an autism spectrum disorder.
If councillors approved the lease, Lyrebird College would need to submit a planning application for any proposed works to take place on the site.
This would go through its own notification and consultation period.
In response to feedback it has received so far, the council has answered several frequently asked questions.
It confirmed the land was not part of the parcel bequeathed by Margaret Lewis in 1983 and would not affect the dog off-lead area.
Council officers have assessed the site following conversations with residents and are proposing a 24 metre buffer area between existing residential properties and the proposed lease site, to lessen the visual impact of any buildings and works that might occur on site.
The proposed lease area has been slightly adjusted away from a large area of vegetation towards the northern boundary of the site, the council said, but the current proposed lease area includes two trees.
“Any works on the site, including any vegetation removal, would require a planning application, which would also include notification and consultation with the community,” the council said.
The Mail flagged the proposal late last year.
A council report said the college would add to the area’s status as an educational precinct, and produce positive community outcomes.
Lyrebird College spokeswoman Melissa Handbury said the school would cater for children from Prep to Year 10.
“If all goes to plan, Lyrebird College will open in January 2020 with an initial enrolment of 12 students in two classes,” she said.
She said leasing the vacant council land would re-energise the precinct and provide an opportunity to share resources and expertise.
“We see ourselves forming a strong connection with the whole Coldstream community,” she said.
Ms Handbury said there were very few options available for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders outside of the public sector.
“In general, there are limited schools in Victoria specialising in the care and education of children with an autism spectrum disorder,” she said.
To read more and make a submission, visit www.yrc.vic.gov.au/kelsostlease.
