By Oliver Lees
Macedon Ranges council has knocked back a proposal for a meditation retreat centre in Tylden, as councillors argued the development would conflict with the shire’s strong principles of environmental protection.
The application for the development at 286 Central Road included plans to extend the existing building that would allow a maximum of 10 visitors to the centre at any one time. An eight space car park would also be developed on the 11-hectare property, which is surrounded by homes and other properties used for farming.
The land is covered by Farming Zone and Environmental Significance Overlay and received four public objections.
The site was previously approved for use as a meditation retreat centre in 2016, but the permit ultimately expired before the project commenced.
The officer’s recommendation suggested councillors approve of the application, stating it “aligns with policy that advocates economic development and protection/retention of agricultural land”.
The officer’s recommendation also stated the application was a good example of how a non-agricultural use can be compatible with agricultural standards, without impacting surrounding properties.
In March, Macedon Ranges council formally declared a climate emergency.
Councillor Rob Guthrie said the shire had to honour its commitment to protecting land of agricultural significance.
“Councillors are aware that this allotment had a permit for a similar use five years ago, but a lot has changed in that time as we are much more aware of global warming,” Cr Guthrie said.
“The Local Government Act 2020 requires council to consider climate change as an overshadowing and guiding principle.
“To quote the words of a song that I love, ‘from little things, big things grow’. We’ve got to be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to consider that climate change declaration.”
Cr Anne Moore said despite the permit previously being issued, that permit had experienced breaches, including the unauthorised use of a water course, which caused flooding and death of some livestock located on an adjoining property.
Cr Geoff Neil, who supported the development, said he agreed the applicant could “enhance their agricultural skills”, but ultimately believed the environmental concerns were overblown.
“Does it really matter whether I suck oxygen in Gisborne or Kyneton or Romsey or Lancefield… is this going to endanger the planet, as has been made out? The short answer is no,” Cr Neil said.
