Opponents campaigning against a major new warehouse proposal for West Footscray have been dealt a blow with Maribyrnong Council officers largely backing the project.
Star Weekly reported in July that CostaFox Developments had lodged plans for the redevelopment of a disused site at 25 Indwe Street to comprise 177 warehouses, offices, a childcare centre and restricted retail premises.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is due to consider the proposal in January after the developer elected not to wait for Maribyrnong council’s verdict on the project.
A council officer’s report to go before councillors at next Tuesday’s City Development Special Committee recommends that the council advises VCAT the decision would have been to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit for the use and development of the land as sought.
The report found the plans for the 72,400-square-metre site conform to local and state planning policies and are an appropriate response to the site.
Neighbouring residents have been arguing the project will clog residential streets, increase the number of trucks in the neighbourhood and destroy parklands.
More than 90 objections were lodged with council citing a range of concerns.
However the report states the development is “a viable commercial project” which would accommodate a range of businesses and generate employment opportunities for the local and wider economies.
Although the council’s own guidelines recommend a total of 981 car spaces should be provided, the report accepts a reduction to 491 spaces based on a traffic report provided by the developers that argues only 422 would be needed.
In considering objections on external amenity impacts, the report found the proposal provides “an acceptable response to the surrounding area”.
Increases in pollution and security, safety and the speculative nature of the proposal were not considered valid grounds for refusal.
In respect to alleged asbestos on the site, the report stated its handling, management and disposal will require strict adherence with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007.
The report concludes that with some conditions in place, the proposal continues Council’s focus on enhancing the roles of industry, economic development and employment within the municipality.
“The proposal transitions the site from being underutilised into an economically viable mixed use premises,” it says.
“The development encompasses interesting architectural aesthetics which pick up on salient features of nearby industrial and residential built forms.
“Overall, the proposed development reinforces the industrial role of the site and is wholly supported by State and Local policy objectives.”
While the decision on the project rests with VCAT, significant weight will be given to the support of the council staff and the reasonings behind their decision to recommend the project.
Wefo Residents Group spokesman Julian Davis last week told Star Weekly that residents feel there remains a substantial case for VCAT not allowing the development.
The group has engaged town planner Bill Kusznirczuk, the deputy chair to the Victorian Planning Authority and former Chair of the Building Advisory Council.
