By Jade Lawton
BEACONSFIELD residents will meet tomorrow (Thursday) night to discuss a planning application for a hotel with 60 poker machines in May Road, Beaconsfield.
Beaconsfield Progress Association President Les Reader organised the public meeting after learning that the application, which the developer had previously withdrawn, had been amended.
“We only found out very recently – the signs required by council to be on the property were rather hidden. One was up on May Road and one behind shrubbery on the highway – they just weren’t visible,” Mr Reader said.
Mr Reader said residents were concerned the hotel would impact on parking, traffic, and noise, with applications for liquor and gaming licences until 3am.
“We think it is an inappropriate spot for a hotel. It is near a kindergarten and we don’t need any more gaming machines – there are plenty in adjacent towns,” he said.
Residents have previously rallied against a proposal for a venue with 75 gaming machines on May Road. The application was withdrawn the day the council were to consider the proposal.
Developer Robin Daley said the complex would pump $75,000 to $85,000 in donations to community groups annually and generate 40 to 50 jobs.
“The development has provision for a medical centre, aged care centre, function centre and hotel,” he said.
“It will be beneficial to the whole community and of course the hotel is top quality. The general area lacks the prestigious presentation in amenities at the moment.”
Mr Daley said many were unfamiliar with the revised plans, which he said included a new road to the venue from O’Neil Road and a branch road from the Princes Highway.
“Some people believe it is right at their back fence but the hotel is quite far away from immediate residences,” he said.
“Residents need to be aware of full concept, rather than narrow-minded against development of any description.”
Mr Reader said councillors and local MPs had been invited to the meeting, which would involve a question and answer session and advice on how to object to the proposal.
“There are a number of people who would want to object but don’t quite know how to go about it,” he said.
The public meeting will be held on Thursday 15 October at the Beaconsfield Primary School auditorium from 7.30pm.
Objections to the proposal must be submitted to Cardinia Shire Council by Friday 16 October.
Stitching a New Legacy
PRECEDE: From refugee roots to runway shows, Gloria Chol blends South Sudanese heritage with street couture—crafting fashion that tells untold stories and redefines...
