Puffing Billy, Belgrave: Dandenong Ranges scenery could face chop if Pulitano Properties design gets OK

The stunning Dandenong Ranges attracts millions of tourists to Belgrave’s historic railway. But a development in Belgrave threatens to impact its views.

The spectacular tourist-attracting scenery at the start of the iconic Puffing Billy railway could be given the chop to make way for multistorey shopping centre.

Tree canopy that provides the magical backdrop for tourists travelling on the open air steam train would be felled if a proposed development at the Belgrave Motors site went ahead.

The 120-year-old train service which starts at Belgrave station sits directly behind the development site.

The designs for 14 Monbulk Rd, which boasts a supermarket, shops, café, offices and a childcare centre site, was refused by Yarra Ranges Council in November.

But the developer, Pulitano Properties — which did not respond to request for comment — lodged an appeal at VCAT days before Christmas, with objectors deadline for feedback due by January 26.

The council knocked back the permit for several reasons including an overdevelopment of the site, that the design didn’t fit the streetscape and it would negativity impact Puffing Billy’s scenic corridor.

The report said the extent of the amount of vegetation the developer wants to remove “lacks adequate regard” for the site and neighbouring landscape.

VicRoads also did not agree with how the development would impact the local roads.

Belgrave’s Paul O’Halloran said the development was excessive and didn't suit Belgrave — the gateway to Dandenong Ranges and Sherbrooke Forest.

“It’s an oversized rusty brick, blocking the views to the forest and not responding to the topography of the area,” Mr O’Halloran said.

He said the proposed development was pushed to the boundaries of the site and the trees that face the Puffing Billy railway tracks and other in neighbouring properties would have to be removed.

“The trees give that fantasy to the Puffing Billy ride and that Dandenong Ranges wilderness,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“It’s because of the tree canopy that it’s so magic.”

Hills locals are known for kicking up a stink when a development meets their disproval. When McDonalds — successfully — applied for a permit in nearby Tecoma it caused outrage and a long-running battle between residents and the fast food giant.

Yarra Ranges planning, design and development director Kath McClusky said the application was refused early on because of a number of issues which remained unsolved for a significant amount of time.

“Our refusal is based on a number of grounds, such as issues raised with the applicant by council not being resolved and VicRoads objecting to the application at the time,” Ms McClusky said.

“It is the view of Council that the application would present an overdevelopment of the site, impacting the Puffing Billy interface, and does not meet the requirements of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.”