THE fate of a Subway outlet in Robinvale has been stalled yet again after mediation talks held earlier this week failed to provide an outcome.
But the developer and Swan Hill Rural City Council (SHRCC) are “definitely willing” to fight in favour of the development at a full Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing in September.
The proposed development of the $1.5 million restaurant has been fraught with controversy since 2018, when council was first approached to sell a parcel of residentially-zoned land on Bromley Road to the developer.
Community members objected to the sale immediately, arguing that the parcel of land in question should be “off limits” for commercial development, with many believing it should be contributed to existing parkland.
Despite a petition which gathered almost 500 signatures opposing the sale, council made the decision to sell the land in 2019, with a unanimously-approved planning application lodged in 2020.
But the objecting residents lodged an appeal against the approval with VCAT in January this year, citing concerns around planning and zoning, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety, “the building itself”, signage and whether it fits the “character of the neighbourhood”.
Council director of development and planning Heather Green, who was present at the meditation, said the developer was prepared to make changes to the application, which were not accepted by the objectors.
“Clearly from (the group’s objections), it’s around (the restaurant) not being there at all… it’s not about the design so much,” she said.
“Council wants to see this development proceed, and are happy with the current design … it will be defending it’s decision at the VCAT hearing in September.
“Nothing has changed, council still supports the development on the site, and the plans as submitted … it meets the planning scheme, it’s a private development on privately-owned land.”
Planning consultant Roy Costa, who represents Subway’s franchise owner, said his client was “hoping” a resolution could be reached.
“We put a couple of items forward, unsuccessfully,” he said.
“There was no resolution reached, therefore, it proceeds to a full VCAT hearing.”
Sunraysia Daily approached the opposing group for comment, but they declined.
