Shannon Bennett’s plans for Burnham Beeches approved
IT has been the centre of a long-running battle between celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and Sherbrooke locals but development plans have finally been approved for historic Burnham Beeches and the iconic beech trees have been saved.
Outer East
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HISTORIC Burnham Beeches trees have been saved as part of a planning permit approval by the State Government.
The sign-off has been four years in the making after celebrity chef Shannon Bennett and developer Adam Garrison first applied to redevelop the estate.
But mystery still surrounds the exact conditions of the planning permit, which have not been publicly released.
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Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported almost 100 protesters staged a peaceful rally outside the estate to demonstrate against plans to cut down about 13 beech trees — synonymous with the estate —— to allow traffic to flow to the property.
State Planning Minister Richard Wynne approved the plans, but has made sure historic beech trees at the entrance to the property are preserved.
Plans for the site included removing a cap on patron numbers, turning the Norris building — built in the 1930s and now in state of disrepair — into a six-star hotel, and adding a microbrewery, shop and new restaurant inside the existing Piggery Cafe.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the estate had State heritage significance and was protected. “We’re preserving these beautiful trees and the property’s heritage while bringing jobs and a great new development to the area,” Mr Merlino said.
Burnham Beeches Development Community Watch member Peta Freeman said while it appeared the community’s voice had been heard, the devil was in the detail.
“It sounds positive and if that’s the case then it’s fantastic,” Ms Freeman said.
“But until it’s released publicly, it’s difficult to know.”
In a statement by Mr Bennett and Mr Garrison, the pair said they were excited to be able to bring the historic estate back to life with an environmentally sensitive development.
“Now we look forward to delivering exciting new opportunities in tourism and hospitality to the Dandenong Ranges,” they said.
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