Healesville Aldi store on hold while supermarket and objectors go to VCAT

THE Healesville supermarket war is on hold while plans for discount supermarket Aldi go to VCAT, with both the company and objectors appealing the planning permit.

Plans for Aldi in Healesville are on hold while the company and objectors appeal the planning decision in VCAT.

THE Healesville supermarket war will be put on hold while plans for discount supermarket Aldi go to VCAT.

Despite Yarra Ranges Council granting a planning permit on April 26 for the grocery giant to set up shop at 175 Maroondah Highway, two appeals have been lodged at the state tribunal against the authorisation.

Council social and economic development director Ali Wastie confirmed one appeal was lodged by objectors, while the other was submitted by Aldi about permit conditions.

Aldi was set to go head-to-head with Coles in Healesville after the council handed out the approval with some conditions which specified changes needed to be made to the look and design of the building for it to fit in with the town’s streetscape.

This included a reduction in the height of the Aldi tower which hides the airconditioning units, steel to be replaced by timber and rusted steel mesh, and a wall with green climbing plants included.

Ms Wastie said the council asked VCAT to hear both matters at the same time, with a practice day hearing scheduled for July 14, an August 22 compulsory conference date and an October 2 hearing.

“Council has also provided VCAT with a list of names and addresses for all objectors or submitters on the proposal,” she said.

“VCAT will notify all parties and provide them an opportunity to lodge the statement of grounds if they wish to become a party to the hearing.”

Aldi confirmed it had appealed the permit conditions.

“We work closely with the local council, other businesses and community groups to ensure we make a positive impact on the area,” an Aldi spokesman said.

“We will continue to update the community as our plans progress.”