GREATER Dandenong Council has given the green light to a major development that will pave the way for a strong retail trade future in Springvale.
Councillors on Monday night approved a permit for the Harvey Norman and Ikea store developments at the corner of Westall Road and the Princes Highway in Springvale.
Star revealed in February last year plans by Harvey Norman to build on the Springvale site.
But the retail giant at the time refused to confirm or deny whether it would follow through with its plans.
The site is almost 70,000 square metres and will also host 15 other commercial businesses.
And almost 3000 car parking spaces will be required to cope with the expected influx of customer traffic, with parking proposed for both ground level and underground.
Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon praised the council for granting the permit, and said the development marked the first big step in the redevelopment of Springvale, which is also the subject of a thorough structure plan being prepared by council officers.