Puffing Billy: Former Belgrave Motors, Monbulk Road development plans before VCAT

A decision that could shape the future of Melbourne’s most iconic railway hangs in the balance as objectors fight a major Belgrave development.

Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station. Photo Christopher Chan.

A community has raised more than $5000 to fight a development that could destroy part of the tourist-attracting scenery of the iconic Puffing Billy railway.

Save Belgrave Township group and Yarra Ranges Council are fighting against plans for a multistorey shopping centre proposal at the former Belgrave Motors site in Belgrave.

So far the group has raised $5201 towards fighting the case but needs more donations for the ongoing costs of the hearing.

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 has been contacted for comment — lodged an appeal at VCAT days before Christmas, with objectors deadline for feedback due by January 26.

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.

And according to the township group member Paul O’Halloran, the development will tower over not only the 120-year-old train service but also Belgrave Station which sits directly behind the development site.

Mr O’Halloran said the issues were the proposal’s poor built form, the impacts on Puffing Billy and how it will tower over the train and Belgrave Station.

He said the development covered the entire block and extended about 120m up Monbulk Rd.

Mr O’Halloran said the plans were not pedestrian friendly, but encouraged drivers with its fair-sized car park – which would not benefit other local businesses.

He said with the already 400-space expanded train station carparking, he foresaw traffic jams at the already tiny roundabout, which would cause ran running.

He said both the objectors and the council had put their case before the tribunal panel and the next step was a site inspection on July 26.

Mr O’Halloran said the developers were also up for responding to the objections and putting their case forward.

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