By Corey Everitt
One less floor and 5 less practitioners is some of the approved reductions for the plans of a new medical centre in Emerald, made in an attempt to appease the objections of residents who took the proposal to VCAT.
Cardinia Shire Council granted a permit to a medical centre on 337 Belgrave-Gembrook Road in November 2023, the proposal would house 13 different practitioners into the complex.
The overall complex would be four levels, from Belgrave-Gembrook road it would appear as two, the two lower levels constructed to the rear of the site.
The two lower levels would mostly comprise 42 parking spaces that would be accessible from Madigan Way.
However, objectors submitted a review at VCAT where the council, applicant and objectors met in a compulsory conference on 15 March.
At the meeting the tribunal issued a consent order after all parties agreed to an amended proposal to be finalised by the applicant.
The new permit will slice off the top floor to only be 3-storeys with only a ground-level from Belgrave-Gembrook Road and two sub levels.
It will house 8 practitioners and have 31 car parks accessible from the rear.
The rear set back to Madigan Way has been significantly increased from 15.3 metres to 25.8 metres.
The vehicle entrance from Madigan Way was an issue that saw the proposal deferred for further consideration by the council before the official granting of the permit last year.
The issue related to the impacts from increased traffic and the requirements to upgrade the road.
The amended proposal was presented to all parties at another VCAT conference on Friday 12 April.
In Council Meeting on Monday 15 April, an alternative motion was required for the consent order to be approved by the council.
The alternative was moved by Cr Moore and was seconded by Cr Cameron.
The motion was passed unanimously to grant the amendments to the permit, removing the need to go to a final hearing at VCAT.
