Yarra Council in pickle over councillor’s Richmond site

A City of Yarra councillor is embroiled in a dilemma with the council over plans for a $3 million Richmond development — and now the case is going to VCAT.

Landes Warehouse, 194 Bridge Rd, Richmond.

The City of Yarra and one its councillors are caught in a conflict of interest dilemma over plans for a $3m redevelopment on a prime site in Richmond.

A proposal by Cr Herschel Landes to redevelop his Bridge Road property was approved before his election to council but the application is now heading to VCAT following residents’ objections.

Ratepayers Victoria spokesman Dean Hurlston said the council was snookered because it was offering legal support for a councillor’s private interests ahead of the wishes of Richmond residents.

The plans were submitted by Cr Landes in May 2019 and approved a year later, before he was elected last October.

The appeal process then began before Cr Landes started his tenure as an independent councillor for Melba ward covering Richmond.

Cr Herschel Landes on Bridge Rd.

The proposal is to modify his three-storey Landes Warehouse and add a five-storey construction at the back, facing Waltham Street.

The new development is proposed to be a restaurant or cafe on the ground floor and a medical centre for the top four floors

Residents objected on the grounds of inadequate car parking, increased traffic, noise and overdevelopment of the site.

Mr Hurlston stressed that Cr Landes had done nothing wrong.

“But the team at Ratepayers Victoria has never seen a council in this position,” he said. “Yarra is now committed to defending the planning decision of an elected councillor’s development in opposition to its residents, who fund council.’’

Cr Landes, formerly the head of the Bridge Road Traders’ Association, acknowledged the sensitivities of the process.

“I’m mindful and respectful of what is a tricky situation,’’ he said.

“The residents will want to cross-examine the council (in VCAT) and that is their right.’’

A Yarra council spokesperson said the application had been dealt with in the same way as any other.

“Council is required by VCAT to attend the hearing on 31 March, 2021 to explain its decision.

“This is standard practice for any application subject to review by VCAT.

“Council prepares its case independent of the applicant and/or objectors and presents its case in accordance with the directions of VCAT.’’

The original application drew 44 objections.

@IanRoyall