Concern over development on Maroondah’s ‘green ridge’ as Buddhist school to expand

A 750-tree cull in Croydon has been rejected but a new proposed development on Maroondah’s ‘green ridge’ has raised neighbours’ ire.

Maroondah Council will make a decision on an application from Nalandra Buddhist Institute to build a new meditation, yoga and teachings centre.

A GIANT 750-tree cull as part of proposed land subdivision in Croydon has been rejected.

But a new proposed development on Maroondah’s ‘green ridge’ has raised the ire of neighbours as a Buddhist school looks to expand.

The Nalandra Buddhist Institute, at 21-23 Ruthven Way, Ringwood East, wants to build a new meditation, yoga and teachings centre.

The institute lodged their application with Maroondah Council earlier this year and has been seeking donations to get the $200,000 project off the ground.

The application has received 14 submissions and proposes the removal of 13 trees, with Maroondah Council to make a decision in the coming weeks.

Nalandra’s project manager Michelle Menzel said the centre was “carefully placed and structured” to minimise the amount of trees to be culled.

“We are very conscious of being able to maintain the local environment and habitat, its part of our philosophy to protect animals,” she said.
“That’s why we’ve gone to great length to minimise the impact we have on the trees and any local species.

“We don’t have enough space currently for what we want to do, and we hope it will add to the community … we open our door to whoever wants to come in.”

Valentino Dve resident Anne Hadley, who lives 400m away, told Maroondah Leader she felt the development was excessive and could lead to increased traffic in the surrounding streets.
“They just want to get this up and there’s no concern for the residents,” she said.
“We’ve got an area here where the majority of residents want to keep it nice and protect it.”

Meanwhile, the council rejected a proposed land subdivision at 62-74 Vasey Concourse on Friday.

The application, from two neighbours, proposed to subdivide the land into six lots and remove more than 750 trees. It is unclear if the applicant will appeal the decision.

A Maroondah Leader Facebook poll on whether the application should go ahead received more than 1300 votes, with 88 per cent voting No.

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