Bunnings, McDonalds, a second fast food outlet and a 24-hour petrol station have been approved for Kyneton with few changes to the design despite strong objection.
The Edgecombe Road proposal has been approved in two applications before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council resolved it would have rejected the plans, following more than 600 community submissions received last year.
“The VCAT decision to approve the development with little change to the design is disappointing,” council’s director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, told the Express.
“The approved buildings will have a generic design, similar to many others in large cities, rather than responding to the unique character of Kyneton and the Macedon Ranges.”
Ms Stockfeld said the council rejected the proposal for its “detrimental amenity impacts, poor design and interface with its surrounds, inadequate landscaping, and a poor layout for pedestrians within the car parking and access areas”.
The tribunal determined the development to be an appropriate addition to Kyneton’s northern industry and commercial precinct.
Conditions were included from Department of Transport requiring a functional layout plan, road safety audit and various intersection treatments.
VCAT members have issued the permit on the basis that these measures will be adequate in relation to traffic.
It also accepted evidence that the proposal would “not have a negative impact on the viability of the town centre” and would result in net community benefit in terms of investment, employment, convenience and shopping opportunities.
While some residents have marked the move as progression, others say they are devastated about what is to come.
The application attracted hundreds of objections and saw the formation of 830-strong lobby group Keep Kyneton Country.
Kyneton resident Lindy Priest said she was one of many feeling ignored with little change made to the plans.
“We’re devastated. We think that the decision is wrong,” she told the Express.
“This VCAT decision so wrong from an environmental perspective and economic and tourism perspective. It’s not the reputation Kyneton needs or wants.
“We need to talk about how we can strengthen Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s planning policy so we don’t get walked over.”
VCAT decisions are final and must be followed by all parties. A decision can only be set aside on appeal by a party to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
