Green Light From VCAT On New OfficesLatrobe City Council has been given the green light to go ahead with its new corporate headquarters By Latrobe Shire - 21st February 2003 - Back to News Latrobe City Council has been given the green light to go ahead with its new corporate headquarters by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), after planning appeals by a number of applicants were disallowed.
In its decision to allow a permit for the corporate headquarters to proceed, VCAT stated that in its view the proposal met the requirements outlined in the zone and overlay provisions of the planning scheme, and the site chosen "is an appropriate site to locate offices and in particular Council offices".
The decision also stated that "it provides a building that is considered to be of high quality in design, will be a landmark that can only but contribute to the Revitalisation of the Morwell Town Centre as envisaged in the Morwell Central Business District Revitalisation Action Plan."
"It is considered that the built form of the proposal responds well to the site constraints and the surrounding commercial and public areas," the decision stated.
Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Morwell CBD Revitalisation Taskforce, Councillor Darrell White, welcomed the VCAT decision, stating it was a clear vindication of everything that members of the Revitalisation Taskforce had supported.
"We are totally in agreement with the VCAT decision, and now urge contract finalisation to allow work on the new corporate headquarters to commence as soon as possible. The benefits of a major project such as this will be felt right across the Latrobe Valley, as there will be significant employment and material supply benefits for citizens and companies throughout the municipality," Cr White said.
Latrobe City’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hancock, said the decision handed down by VCAT confirmed Latrobe City staff had acted in a competent and professional manner in handling the tasks required to progress the corporate headquarters through the planning and permit processes. "VCAT did not identify any shortfall in our processes, and I’m delighted with the decision handed down," Mr Hancock said.
"VCAT has now ordered that the permit be issued to allow the construction of the buildings and works associated with the new corporate headquarters generally in accordance with the Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit dated 6 August 2002. There are a number of variations listed in the VCAT decision which are technical or legal corrections, and these changes are all consistent with those requested by Council’s solicitor at the appeal hearing," Mr Hancock said.
"The new corporate headquarters will allow the consolidation of Council’s administrative staff under the one roof, providing a far more efficient and cost effective operating structure for the community," Mr Hancock added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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