Council probes business just one day after it won a top award

A vehicle hire business owner claims he feels "under attack" after council investigators called him the day after he collected a prestigious business award at a shire-sponsored event.

Leigh van Santen is currently in a frustrating dispute with Surf Coast Shire over the status of his business despite an award from a Shire sponsored event. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Bellbrae businessman has been left baffled after Surf Coast Shire launched an investigation into his company just one day after he won best new business at a council-sponsored awards night.

Leigh van Santen’s vehicle hire company Digger Now won the prestigious gong at the Torquay Business Awards on November 18, an event which boasts Surf Coast Shire as a partner.

A day later, Mr van Santen said he received a phone call from the shire, informing him his business was now under investigation.

“I’m over it,” Mr van Santen said.

“I feel like I’m under attack, and I don’t actually know what they’ve got me on.

Leigh van Santen, pictured with son Wilson, 6, is currently in a frustrating dispute with Surf Coast Shire over the status of his business despite an award from a Shire sponsored event. Picture: Alison Wynd

“The investigation is into me operating a business from my land, I got the call and I thought they were congratulating me on winning the award, but by the end of the conversation I was told I’ll be receiving a letter to say shut down or apply for a permit.”

Mr van Santen said he believed he was entitled to be a home-based business because he did not sell goods but provided a hiring service.

“It’s been pretty stressful,” he said.

“I don’t have any neighbours, so the complaint hasn’t come from there, I did a freedom of information request and I got nothing, and even the girl who works in freedom of information at the shire said it was frustrating.

“They won’t even tell me what the complaint is.”

General manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike confirmed an investigation was underway but said “no formal enforcement proceedings have been initiated by council”.

“We recognise that successful, profitable businesses are important to our local economy,” Mr Pike said.

“At the same time, all businesses need to comply with the Surf Coast Planning Scheme and relevant laws and regulations.

“We’re in continuing communication with the operator to ensure his business complies with the planning scheme.

“The matter is still under investigation and we are working with the business owner to fully understand the operations before determining the right course of action.”

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Originally published as Council probes business just one day after it won a top award