Essendon neighbours fight plans for three-storey cosmetic surgery building

A THREE-storey cosmetic surgery clinic in Melbourne’s northwest could be given the green light because of a planning scheme loophole.

A PROPOSED three-storey cosmetic surgery building in Essendon would resemble a “mini hospital” in the middle of suburbia and would only add to congestion, neighbours warn.

More than 100 residents have raised objections to the proposed development at 64 Lincoln Rd saying it will look like a micro hospital, causing it to stick out like a sore thumb.

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Shane Bond, who has lived around the corner from Lincoln Rd since 1981, said the development was not in line with the character of the surrounding streets and would add to the already heavy traffic.

He said the services being proposed were also not needed.

A three-storey cosmetic building could be built at 64 Lincoln Rd, Essendon because it is technically a medical centre.

“You’re going to have a three-storey building on the corner of a dangerous intersection, I’m surprised no one has been hurt there yet,” he said. St Therese’s Primary School was 260m from the proposed development and traffic backed up Edwards St and Lincoln Rd during daily school drop-offs and pick-ups, Mr Bond said.

Under the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme, the main purpose of residential areas is to provide land for housing”, but alternative uses could include “medical centres, veterinary clinics and convenience shops”.

Nine medical staff would work at the clinic, which would have 17 car parks.

It states non-residential use cannot “significantly detrimentally impact … adjoining residents”.

The development, which is being proposed by Narasimha Deva Investments Pty Ltd, would have nine medical staff and be required to have 17 carparks.

But the company has applied for a reduction in carparking.

Moonee Valley Mayor John Sipek said since objections were lodged last year, the application had been amended and was currently under review.

“It will be advertised and plans will be made available to the public,” he said.

“Those who objected will be formally notified.”

Cr Sipek said a decision won’t be made until after the outcome of the advertising stage.

Narasimha Deva Investments Pty Ltd couldn’t be contacted by Leader for comment.

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