Shire ‘no’ to ‘village’ four-bedroom apartments and seven two-bedroom single-storey terrace houses. The maximum height of the buildings was to be eight metres. The council received 56 objections against the MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has application. knocked back a proposed retirement village in “As a new council we’re quickly getting used Mount Eliza. to making decisions on significant planning apPlans for the proposed $160 million Beachleigh “retirement community” at 33 Jacksons Road, in- plications that take a great deal of time, an open cluded 105 independent living units in 12 build- mind and careful consideration,” said Cr Steve Holland, who successfully moved that the planings. Parts of existing buildings would have been ning services committee refuse the application. “In this instance, there were also more than 50 demolished and vegetation – including 63 trees objections to consider. – removed. “In judging the application on its merits – the The former Peninsula Health Mount Eliza scale, site context, local character, vegetation loss Centre on 3.4 hectares dates back to the 1920s. At various times it was a children’s hospital and and other factors including heritage and traffic – a geriatric hospital. Most of the buildings were council decided to refuse to grant a permit.” The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said the comdemolished in 2019 but three remain – all with pany had shown it was prepared to listen to resiheritage value. Melbourne-based developer Hengyi Pacific re- dents, for example, by removing the cafe and reportedly paid Peninsula Health $17.5 million for ducing access to the foreshore. Cr Sarah Race said the proposal offered a range the site in 2019. Hengyi general manager Simon Manley said of housing sizes and styles adding to the potential the company would appeal the knockback at for a “vibrant mix” of age groups in the area. “We have an ageing population that needs affordable VCAT. “I will note we had support from the mayor housing options allowing them to remain living and a number of other members. However, it was in the area,” she said. Cr Holland’s motion was to refuse the proposal clear that the committee … hadn’t spent the time to review and understand the proposal that we on grounds including non-compliance with the would expect for such a major application which, built environment and heritage, distinctive arultimately, provided the outcome as indicated,” eas and landscapes, urban and building design, neighbourhood character, and the area’s design he said. He said, “keeping everyone happy is hard for and development overlay. It said the design, scale and vegetation loss was any application for this site”. Hengyi hosted an information session at Mount an inappropriate response inconsistent with the Eliza Community Hall in April before amending context of the site and character of the area. Also, that the proposal was seen as being detplans for a proposed bar and social lounge and altered the landscape plan. Other changes were rimental to the character and scenic qualities of the coastline, and that it failed to conserve and made to the traffic layout and foreshore access. The company proposed building nine one-bed- enhance the area’s significance and breached herroom, 41 two-bedroom, 47 three-bedroom, four itage values. Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups
Free advertising listings Each month the Mornington News will run a Community Events page, where your school or organisation can promote upcoming events, fund raisers, social events, etc. at no charge. This page is sponsored by the Mornington Village Shopping Centre and listings are completely free. Listings should be about 40 words and include event name, date, time & address.
Crews battle Capel Sound shop fire Pictures: Gary Sissons
SIX fire trucks and CFA crews from Rosebud and Rye fought a blaze above a shop on Point Nepean Road, Capel Sound, last week. The fire started about 3.30am and caused extensive damage to the two-storey premises, Friday 8 October. Firefighters took an hour to bring it under control. A fire-fighting platform was brought in from Dandenong to check the roof after the fire had been extinguished. FRV Commander Chris Hall said later that an investigator was on-site to determine the cause of the fire.
Support for COVIDSafe Peninsula Mornington Peninsula Shire has appointed two new COVID Education Officers for six months to help businesses, community groups and event organisers establish COVIDSafe plans and practices. State government has partnered with local government to provide additional resources to help businesses and community groups protect customers, staff and the public. COVID Education Officers will help local organisations keep up with changing requirements and implement practices to ensure they can operate safely.
The role of Education Officers is to: • help businesses, community groups and event organisers put in place or update their COVIDSafe plans • provide resources and templates to help with COVIDSafe plans and practices • promote COVIDSafe practices within hospitality, community venues and small retail settings. When it comes to COVID-19, we can’t afford to be complacent. Everyone must do their part so we can open up again including getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination will mean less need for restrictions - allowing our businesses to open up and get us back to a thriving local economy.
Send your listing to:
Community Events
PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or email communityevents@mpnews.com.au
For more information on staying COVIDSafe or to contact our COVID Education Officers: mornpen.vic.gov.au/COVIDSafe 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600 Mornington News
12 October 2021
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