Sarah Oliver
A Melton ethnic group’s application to use a property it already owns for a language school has been rejected by Melton council.
The Hazara Solidarity Community of Western Melbourne purchased a property in Caroline Springs with the intention of using it for general gatherings and for a language school, however the plans were met with criticism from the community.
A report to a Melton council meeting on February 7, said council had received 24 objections to the application, centred around concerns the proposal was inappropriate for a residential street.
Residents were also concerned that traffic in the cul-de-sac would increase if the application was approved.
In its application, the group said there would be no more than 30 people on the property at any given time.
However, residents raised concerns that the attendance cap could not be guaranteed.
Residents also felt there was no guarantee that music wouldn’t be played on the property
Council statutory planning co-ordinator Steve Finlay said council officers told the group early on in the application process of their concerns and advised the group not to go ahead with the application.
“At the time, officers said it’s a good use, but it’s just an inappropriate site for the use and we’re happy to work with them to find a more appropriate site for the particular land use,” Mr Finlay said.
Councillors voted to refuse the application because it was not consistent with the planning of residential areas and it would “have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring residents”.
Council has offered to work with the group to find a more appropriate site.
The Hazara Solidarity Community of Western Melbourne was contacted for comment.
