Darebin councillors reject Salta Properties’ plans for Preston Market development

PLANS for three apartment towers at Preston Market have been knocked back by Darebin Council, despite council officers recommending it get the green light.

An artist’s impression of the three Preston Market towers, which Darebin Councillors voted not to approve.

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PLANS for three apartment towers at Preston Market have been knocked back by Darebin Council.

Councillors last night voted unanimously to reject developer Salta Properties’ plans for two 10-storey buildings and one 14-storey tower, proposed on a current car park along Murray Rd, next to the market complex.

Salta Properties now has 60 days to appeal the decision at VCAT.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Were the councillors right to reject the proposal? Tell us below

Councillors criticised the height of the buildings, potential effects on traffic, potential reductions in car parking and the diminishment of the overall character of the market.

The decision went against council officers’ own recommendations to approve the permit.

Salta Properties director Sam Tarascio said the move jeapordised 1300 full time jobs and an estimated $37.5m a year in local retail spending.

Council chambers were a scene of fierce debate with frequent interjections from the gallery, causing Mayor Kim Le Cerf to threaten to bar several rowdy members of the public from the meeting.

Councillor Gaetano Greco spoke against the planning applications and said 14 storeys were too high.

Artist’s impression of how an extension of the market might look.

“This is the single most important decision I’ve had to make. We are talking about something that is the soul of Darebin and the heart of Darebin,” he said.

Councillors Trent McCarthy, Julie Williams, Steph Amir and Susanne Newton also spoke against the plans.

Save Our Preston Market spokeswoman Lori-anne Sharp presented a survey, seen by the Leader, which showed strong public disapproval for the proposed development.

The survey of more than 700 people found 89 per cent of respondents believed the buildings were “inappropriate”.

Mr Tarascio said today that concerns over the impact on the market were unfounded, pointing to $4m in refurbishment work being carried out.

“(This demonstrates) our commitment to retaining the integrity of the market and the experience it offers,” he said.

“Over the last six months we have heard from hundreds of locals and we know that, while there is genuine concern about the future of the market, many of our traders, shoppers and the local community support the development plans.”

Councillors will write to Planning Minister Richard Wynne asking him to use his ministerial powers to “call in” the application, which would circumvent VCAT.

A spokesman for Salta said the developer would consider its options before launching an appeal.