House of profit troubles house of God

By Emma Sun
GREATER Dandenong Council has heard a local church’s parking concerns over an ALDI being built in Springvale Plaza, rejecting the supermarket plan.
The proposal, which was discussed at Monday night’s council meeting, has been the subject of much contention between councillors and locals.
But council’s rejection of the proposal has already been challenged by ALDI, which has taken the matter to VCAT over the time council has taken to make its decision.
Pastor Andrew Beling from the Calvary Worship Centre said the church and other community organisations and businesses used the parking, which was critical to the plaza.
“Car parking is one of the biggest assets of the centre,” he said.
“We actually don’t have an objection to ALDI, but if a new tenant is coming in, rather than reduce car parking, they should actually bring in more.
“If they were able to provide extra car parking, there is no issue.”
Although the council welcomed the supermarket, agreeing that it would benefit the community, the application was refused because aspects of the plan did not comply with the planning scheme.
Issues listed in the report included signs, the removal of loading bays and a significantly reduced number of car parking spaces, which would decrease by 50.
City of Greater Dandenong Lightwood Ward Councillor Youhorn Chea said the lack of sufficient car parking spaces were one of his biggest reasons for supporting the recommendation to refuse the application.
“At Springvale, the main concern is car parks,” he said.
“If ALDI opens, the car parking will be reduced significantly because they’re already building on the car parks.”
He said residents were still quite divided on the issue.
“Some residents said no, but some who live closer to the area said yes because they want to go shopping closer to the area,” Cr Chea said.
Fellow Lightwood Ward Councillor Yvonne Herring objected to the recommendation, and said she strongly supported ALDI.
“A lot of residents have spoken to me and said how great it would be and that’s why I went against the recommendation because I think it would be great for residents and shop owners who are finding it very hard at the moment,” Cr Herring said.
“I don’t have a problem with parking spaces, I believe there will be enough for the shops and I don’t believe it would impact on the church.”
Because a council decision was not made within required time limits, ALDI has taken the application to VCAT.
ALDI spokesperson Zara D’Cotta said the application was lodged with council in September last year.
“A decision was due to be made by Greater Dandenong Council in April 2011. In July 2011 a decision had still not been made, so ALDI lodged an appeal with VCAT over council’s failure to decide,” she said.
“Council subsequently rejected our application. We are disappointed with the decision and will continue to pursue the matter with VCAT.”
The hearing has been scheduled for November.