Shannon Bennett under fire for helicopters at Burnham Beeches
CELEBRITY chef Shannon Bennett has been slammed for flouting council rules and “treating the community with contempt” after helicopters landed illegally at his Dandenong Ranges eatery.
Outer East
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CELEBRITY chef Shannon Bennett has come under fire for flagrantly flouting council rules after helicopters landed illegally at his Dandenong Ranges eatery.
But despite Yarra Ranges Council previously warning Mr Bennett and co-owner Adam Garrisson about the issue at the historic Burnham Beeches site, it won’t take any further action.
The Burnham Beeches Development Community Watch Facebook page alerted people to two helicopters spotted landing at the Sherbrooke property on Thursday, September 14.
Yarra Ranges economic and social development director Ali Wastie said it was the second time it had happened, and it had written to Mr Bennett and Mr Garrisson last November warning they would need a planning permit if it was to become a regular occurrence.
A Belgrave resident who goes by the Facebook name of Leon Old Golf told the Leader the helicopter’s recent landing showed the owners’ ongoing contempt for the community.
He said no one was against the pair renovating the historical Norris building, but there were concerns about the enormity of the rest of the development, including noise, traffic and effect on the wildlife.
“Essentially he is metres away from a national park and gardens,” he said.
“The helicopters are just part of what seems to many locals as a disregard to them, local laws and lack of care of the Dandenongs and what it is.”
Ms Wastie said the helicopter landed less than 500m from a neighbouring property which triggered the need for a planning permit.
“As this appeared to be a one-off landing, council will not be issuing a fine,” Ms Wastie said.
“However, if the owners wish to continue landing at the same location on the site, they will need to apply for a permit.”
It comes as the pair’s $35 million development plans for the site again come before the council at a meeting tonight.
They have been trying to get plans for the 22ha site approved since 2009, with only the Piggery Café open so far.
The pair’s revised plans went out for public consultation in October 2016 and included removing a cap on patron numbers, renovation of the Norris building as a six-star hotel, a microbrewery, shop and new restaurant inside the existing Piggery Cafe.
Councillors will decide tonight whether to ask the State Planning MP Richard Wynne to appoint an independent panel to consider unresolved community submissions.
Comment has been sought from Mr Bennett.
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