Melton council has given the green light for a Christmas market at Plumpton, despite opposition from neighbours concerned about road safety.
Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm, at 319-391 Leakes Road, sought approval for a Christmas market to operate on Sundays from 9am until 3pm between September and December.
Nearby landowners objected to the application citing traffic and safety concerns on Leakes Road, “unreasonable” impacts on neighbours and diminution of property values.
But council officers said it was unlikely an increase in traffic once a week would cause major safety concerns.
They said the proposal could complement rural and agricultural activities at nearby properties, and denied the stated impact on property prices, saying there was no evidence to suggest property values would go down as a result of the market.
A heated debate ensued at last week’s Melton council meeting, with councillors divided on the market issue.
The mayor used her casting vote to approve the application, which is subject to 23 permit conditions.
A council report presented at last week’s meeting stated Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm had twice sought approval for a farmer’s market, both of which been knocked back.
“The proposed market contemplated by this application is of a much smaller scale than those previously considered by council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and also seasonal in nature,” the report stated.
