The owners of a historic Long Forest property have been temporarily banned from using it as a function centre for up to 200 guests after the CFA said it was an unacceptable fire risk.
A planning application to continue running Boyd Baker House as a function and accommodation venue was refused by Moorabool council on December 4.
The application proceeded to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last Thursday, with council’s order to cease operations approved until a full hearing on January 28.
Boyd Baker House is set on 14.1 hectares of bushland between Bacchus Marsh and Melton. The property includes three heritage-listed buildings.
The post-war house was sold to Peter Mitrakis at auction in 2006.
Six residents spoke out against the planning permit at the council meeting, and a petition with 59 signatures was presented.
Long Forest resident Julie Lewin said that on the weekend prior to the council meeting, music from the venue was so loud it could be heard in her living room.
“All that noise shatters our peaceful weekends. It’s having a pretty big impact on neighbours and local wildlife.”
Resident Tim Feetham, who attended last week’s VCAT hearing, said there had been issues with the site’s use in recent years. “Mr Mitrakis’s solicitor argued that it’s not as great a risk as we’re saying, and questioned whether the CFA was an appropriate body to comment,” Mr Feetham said.
Cr Tonia Dudzik said the fire risk was very real. “To have people drinking and smoking in the bush during a potentially dangerous fire season … it isn’t a good recipe,” she said.
Mr Mitrakis could not be reached for comment.
