Bayside City Council says it will write to the Victorian Minister for Planning regarding a proposal by Haileybury College for planning approval for the use and development of a two storey creative arts and sports centre at its South Road property.
Bayside Mayor, Hanna El Mouallem said that Council would object to the proposal due to concerns regarding an increase to student numbers impacting neighbours, loss of heritage and traffic.
“While Council is not the responsible authority on this matter, we can play a role to bring the community and school together to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome,” Mayor El Mouallem said.
“We will also conduct a study into car parking and traffic management in the area surrounding Haileybury College to determine what alternative arrangements could be implemented to manage the increasing parking congestion and potential parking impacts.”
The College has lodged an application directly with the Minister for Planning who is the Responsible Authority in the consideration, and determination of this matter.
In response to the application, Council resolved at its 22 November Council meeting the following:
That Council:
1. prepares and submits a response to DELWP for the proposed development at Haileybury College (PA2201785) objecting to the proposal on the following grounds:
a) the proposed removal of the maximum number of students as imposed by Planning Permit 2005/686/1 which currently limits the number of students enrolled in the senior school (years 10, 11 and 12) to 250 students has the potential to significantly intensify the education use and associated amenity of surrounding properties
b) the proposed construction of the two storey creative arts and sports centre will remove existing dwellings protected by Clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay) of the Bayside Planning Scheme and will impact the heritage value of adjoining Heritage listed dwellings located in the Castlefield Heritage Precinct
c) pursuant to Clause 65.01 of the Bayside Planning Scheme, the application fails to demonstrate that there would be no unreasonable impact on traffic flows, the
amenity of the area or the orderly planning of the area
2. engages its Traffic Team to undertake investigations into car parking and traffic management in the area surrounding Haileybury College to determine what alternative arrangement could be implemented to manage the increasing parking congestion and potential parking impacts, including but not limited to:
• time restrictions; and /or
• permit zone for residents.
Council says the investigations must include parking surveys and community engagement. The findings of the investigation and proposed recommendations are to be reported to Council’s May Planning and Amenity Delegated Committee Meeting, it said.
