By Oscar Parry
A planning permit application for a service centre on the Calder Freeway in Woodend has been met with a mixed community response, with the application referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Two separate planning permit applications for service stations on the Calder Freeway were lodged with Macedon Ranges council , the first being for the western side of the freeway.
According to council, the application was appealed VCAT on January 30 due to the council not making a decision on the application within the required 60-day timeframe, which was “due to the outstanding nature of what [Macedon Ranges] views as being key supporting documents required to assess the application, along with formal advice from the Department of Transport and Planning”.
The second application for a site on the eastern side of the Calder Freeway is still under assessment.
A community petition was launched on website Change.org in objection to the first application and received over 800 signatures in less than two weeks after launching.
In the petition summary, listed objections to the plan included loss of “valuable farmland, native trees and habitat for native animals,” the site being “a physical scar on our beautiful landscape,” concerns around “economic impact to local businesses,” and concerns around environmental harm from underground petroleum storage.
Woodend resident David Edwards that he was “all for” the planned site.
“It might have a positive impact on fuel prices … if it’s a major station, then they will have other stores [at the location]. This is an ideal start for younger kids to get into the job market,” Mr Edwards said.
He said that in his view, downsides include the acquisition of farming land – although he believes the size will not take up “massive” tracts of land – and increased traffic noise, which he said could be mitigated by noise barriers.
The developer Welsh Leisure Pty Ltd said the development will serve “both local community and travellers on the Calder Freeway”.
“Here we are on a straight section of the freeway and the site will be well-setback … well-landscaped and not intrude into the protected landscape,” the spokesperson said.
“In relation to complaints about noise, pollution, and contamination – if approved, all buildings and structures will be constructed to the relevant regulatory standards and signed off by the required authorities.”
VCAT proceedings for the western side application will begin in April.
