Wheelers Hill gym site development approved

A trashed Wheelers Hill gym could finally be knocked down after Monash councillors supported a proposed new development. The site has been a haven for vandals for years, with neighbours calling on the developer to take action.

The site at 855-869 Ferntree Gully Rd has been abandoned since the gym closed in 2016. Picture: George Salpigtidis

A massive Wheelers Hill site which has lain derelict for years could finally see some action after a potential development was approved.

Multiple proposals have been put forward for the 855-869 Ferntree Gully Rd site after Lifestyle Fitness and Sage Institute of Fitness closed in June 2016.

An 80-townhouse application was rejected earlier this year, but amended plans have since garnered a “majority support of councillors”.

The changes included a reduction to 65 townhouses, more space between homes, more trees kept, improved layout and location of visitor carparking and improved streetscape presentation of the houses.

Monash Mayor Shane McCluskey said while there was no formal vote to pass the proposal, council was required by VCAT to make a decision before its next meeting.

“As a result of the officers’ assessment and this process, VCAT was advised that council was now in a position to support the application on the basis of the amended plans,” he said.

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STATION WORST IN THE STATE FOR PARKING FINES

Councillors voiced their unease at the process in which the application was approved.

“The way this matter was decided behind closed doors, so to speak,” Cr Theo Zographos said.

“I think this should be changed going forward, it needs to be more transparent.”

Cr Geoff Lake agreed, but said he supported the decision reached.

“I feel quite uncomfortable with the idea we did make the sort of decision we normally only make in this chamber regarding a planning matter, outside of formal deliberation,” he said.

Monash Leader has been unable to contact the developer of the site.