A two-storey medical centre is to be built in one of Sunbury’s residential areas. Planning permission for the 1,174sqm site at 86-88 Riddell Rd was given at a meeting of Hume City Council. The 8.5m tall medical centre will replace a single-storey five-bed dwelling.
Speaking against the proposal on Tuesday 11 March, Emu Creek Ward councillor Kate Hamley said the Victorian Planning Authority “…has taken a lot of the decision making away from councils and the regulations it puts in place dictate what can and cannot be built in certain areas”.
Cllr Kate Hamley.
“If a proposed development meets the state’s rules there’s very little that we can actually do about it for residents, like the nine neighbours who have submitted objections to this one,” said Cllr Hamley.
“It’s an incredibly frustrating situation, they have every right to feel that way. It’s also very frustrating as a councillor to know there’s not a lot we can do.”
Cllr Hamley said council staff worked with developers to reduce the planned number of practitioners working in the building from nine to seven.
“I’m voting against this proposal tonight in accordance with the will of my community,” she said.
The planning application was supported by Cllr Karen Sherry and seconded by Cllr Carly Moore.
Cllr Sherry said: “The demand for medical services is growing as our population is expanding and some country areas would love to have the kinds of developments that we’re having here in Hume.
“I think that on balance it’s a decent use of the development of the site.”
Councillors voted 10 to one in favour. Nine neighbours of the Riddell Rd site told council they objected to the plan.
About the medical centre:
It will be used by seven medical practitioners and have spaces for 24 cars
The ground floor will feature a common lobby/foyer, reception, staff kitchenette, staff washrooms, treatment room, dispensing pharmacy, three consulting rooms and bin storage area
The first floor consists of a waiting area, six tenancies, and washrooms
The number of medical service providers at the ground floor are four and the respective staff members are three
