Canterbury church’s controversial mini-city development given the green light

A controversial “mini-city” to be built near a busy intersection in Canterbury has been given the green light, despite locals objecting to the project.

The proposed multi-unit development by Canterbury Baptist Church on corner of Balwyn and Canterbury roads has been given the green light. Picture: Supplied

A controversial “mini-city” development by a Canterbury church that will see dozens of units built on the corner of a busy intersection has been given the green light.

A local residents’ campaign that included a slick video by objectors failed to sway the state planning tribunal which has ruled the $25m proposal has acceptable amenity and traffic impacts.

Canterbury Baptist Church joined forces with MAB Corporation to redevelop the site to feature a three-storey apartment building with 44 units on the corner of Balwyn and Canterbury roads.

The 1962 church will remain but tennis courts and some other buildings will be demolished while the hall and offices are relocated to the eastern part of the block.

The proposed multi-unit development by Canterbury Baptist Church on corner of Balwyn and Canterbury roads. Picture: Supplied

Boroondara Council failed to make a decision on the permit in the required time, so the church and developer took the issue to VCAT.

The council later said it would have rejected the proposal, citing inappropriate impacts on neighbourhood character and the amenity of nearby residents, especially in Boronia St, which will provide access to a basement carpark.

Local group Canterbury Residents Against Overdevelopment said the massive “mini-city” would create “dangerously high levels of traffic and add to the already excessive street parking problems”.

“The design is bulky and out of character with the lower-scale homes across Canterbury, let alone the immediately surrounding homes, many of which are heritage listed,” the group said.

VCAT found that the proposal was acceptable and had positive aspects. Picture: Supplied

It produced a video with strong objections from residents of the leafy suburb, including some church users.

But VCAT found that the proposal was acceptable and had positive aspects.

“It consolidates the existing use away from the quieter residential environment of Boronia St to the corner of Balwyn Rd and Canterbury Rd where the existing use can better

integrate with the adjoining activity centre,” the tribunal decision said.

“We are satisfied the proposed buildings provide an appropriate character and heritage response to both Balwyn Rd and Canterbury Rd in context of heritage buildings on the site and surrounding sites, including at 169 Canterbury Rd.”

Convenor of activist group Planning Democracy Kelvin Thomson said VCAT had shown yet again that it is out of touch with community values and needed to be reformed.

“Council decisions should stand unless they are manifestly inconsistent or arbitrary,” he said.

“A lack of democracy in planning, where community views are routinely disregarded, undermines people’s faith in the entire democratic process.”