Residents jump up as council pushes

By Paul Dunlop
RESIDENTS pushing to save the old Coach House at Beaconsfield have welcomed Cardinia Shire Council’s bid to force the issue at the state planning tribunal.
National Trust Casey Cardinia branch president Ruth Crofts said people were pleased that council was seeking an enforcement order from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Councillors voted unanimously last Monday to ask VCAT to order the developer who owns the land to act immediately to restore the building.
Councillors said the developer had given an undertaking when an 11lot subdivision on the land was approved some years ago that the coach house would be retained and preserved.
Mrs Crofts said National Trust members were determined to save the building.
Residents were happy when told the developer’s application to demolish the old coach house had been withdrawn.
Mrs Crofts said they were similarly pleased to hear of council’s VCAT bid (Gazette, 21 February).
“We are delighted council has decided to go that way.
“It’s excellent news, we are very optimistic,” she said.
“You never know what will happen but for the moment we couldn’t be happier and I congratulate council on making that decision, which I believe was unanimous.”
Once used in the 1900s as a laundry for the nearby Berry Street Foundling Home, the coach house’s future has been an issue of concern in the community since it was revealed late last year that a permit had been sought to have it demolished.
The building has been repeatedly vandalised in recent times and there are fears it may soon be beyond repair.
Councillor Brett Owen said there was considerable support in the community for the retention and restoration of the coach house.
Cr Owen said he was happy with council’s decision and looked forward to the issue going before VCAT.