By Mikayla van Loon
A planning application for a gymnasium has been approved for Montrose by Yarra Ranges Council on the proviso that better landscaping and fencing will be included on the property.
The site located at 53-55 Canterbury Road, Montrose had had a permit application approved two years ago to build 48 warehouses, 79 storage units, a service station and convenience shop, food and drink premises and restricted retail premises.
James Burton, on behalf of the applicant Human Habitats, submitted an updated permit application to remove the warehouses and storage units to build a gymnasium and medical suite, with extra car parking and a restaurant instead of a food and drink premise.
“What you have in front of you is a very comprehensive and detailed report prepared by your officers. We’ve worked positively with them for the best part of a year now,” Mr Burton said at the council meeting on 26 October.
“The report has considered all relevant planning considerations, including some of the objections received and gives due consideration to the many planning conditions that already exist on the permit that enable the orderly and neighborly development of this site.”
Under the new permit, the proposal includes a three storey building, 322 car parking spaces, 40 bicycle spaces, four retail premises, outdoor seating and an outdoor exercise area.
On the ground floor of the building, the design suggests a cafe, reception, crèche, rock climbing and cardio area will be built.
The first floor will be home to the gym and various rooms for group fitness, while the top floor will see a physiotherapist move in.
Spartans Gym and Fitness in Kilsyth South has expressed interest in relocating to these premises once constructed.
Councillor Len Cox said he was very pleased with the amended application and he believed it was better than what had been approved two years ago.
“I’d have to say, from a personal point of view, I think it’s a far better application than what the previous one was,” he said.
Cr Cox said he did have reservations about the plan for this site based on an ongoing water issue and the effect on adjacent residential properties but moving an alternate motion to include better fencing and landscaping would remove some of those worries.
The motion was passed unanimously by Yarra Ranges Council.
