Original Joes Heathmont site set for $7.5 million overhaul after Patrick Lamanna wins VCAT appeal
Another of Heathmont’s biggest eyesores could finally be getting a clean up, with the owner of the contentious site winning a VCAT appeal for his planned $7.5 million revamp. SEE WHAT IS PLANNED.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Heathmont’s first apartment complex is set to be built and its biggest eyesore revitalised, with the owner of the burnt out and contentious site triumphing at VCAT.
Patrick Lamanna was given the green light for his proposed $7.5 million, four-storey redevelopment at 165-167 Canterbury Rd at the tribunal on August 11.
The site is home to the former Original Joes pizza restaurant, which was destroyed by fire in 2017.
The burnt out restaurant has remained largely untouched and its condition and the lack of action on the site has infuriated locals.
It has also been suspected of housing squatters, which Mr Lamanna denied.
Maroondah Council rejected Mr Lamanna’s plans in November 2019 — which proposed 26 apartments, underground parking, a medical centre, a shop and a new restaurant.
The council felt the plans were an overdevelopment and too intense for the site, which led to Mr Lamanna lodging a VCAT appeal.
At the time, he said he had been “back and forth” to the council with his plans and claimed it kept stopping him from cleaning up the site.
Amended plans were submitted in July and appeared to gain the council’s approval according to details of a VCAT order.
Senior member Peter Martin cancelled a scheduled hearing on August 17 and directed a permit be approved for the site.
Mr Martin said issuing the permit was confirmation the development was appropriate and consistent with the council’s planning scheme and the environment act.
The permit still allows for the same features Mr Lamanna proposed in his original plan.
It is the second time in recent months the council has had its ruling on a Heathmont eyesore site overturned at the tribunal.
In July, Hume Childcare successfully appealed plans for its 139-space childcare centre at the site of an abandoned church, initially rejected by the council late last year.
Mr Martin said Mr Lamanna must start his development within three years and have it completed by 2025.
MORE: THE MELBOURNE DOCTORS BANNED IN 2020
DODGY EATERIES NOT REVEALED FOR MONTHS