VCAT will decide hotel’s fate

THE future of a giant hotel proposed for Pakenham is to be decided by the state planning tribunal.
A hearing has been set down for 10 April.
The developer, Adelaidebased Prizac Group, has taken its plans to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal claiming Cardinia Council failed to make a decision on time.
The issue was before the council in November.
The multimilliondollar development has been proposed to be part of the Lakeside estate.
But there are fears its size and location could hamper emergency service operations.
If approved, the hotel would be built next door to Pakenham’s new police, Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service complex, which is currently under construction.
The fourlevel, 13 metrehigh building’s location has prompted opposition from Victoria Police and other authorities.
The council also backed objectors, declaring at a meeting last November that the proposal was an overdevelopment of the site and could not be supported in its current form.
Featuring several bars, restaurants, lounges, a gaming room and a 45room accommodation complex, the hotel has been proposed as a highquality dining and entertainment hub for residents and visitors.
Supporters of the development say it is desperately needed in the fastgrowing area.