Lyall Road plan dumped

By Jade Lawton
IT took Casey Council just minutes to unanimously reject a proposal for Lyall Road, Berwick, at last night’s planning meeting.
Application P801/08, for a six-level hotel, office and retail complex at 1-9 Lyall Road, Berwick, attracted 336 objections from the community.
Mayor Geoff Ablett was unable to attend the planning meeting, which was chaired by Mayfield Ward Councillor Kevin Bradford.
Edrington Ward Councillors Simon Curtis and Daniel Mulino presented short speeches to the 90 or so people sitting in the public gallery.
“It’s pleasing to see so many people come show their support,” Cr Curtis said.
“Obviously we are looking forward to working with Harmon Group to come up with a more suitable development. There will be development on this site, and we are looking for the most responsible and suitable decision for residents, the developer and council.”
Cr Mulino said an appropriate development on the Lyall Road site would provide jobs and services to the area.
“Economic development is important in Berwick but it has to be balanced. We do want something there, and we do want to see jobs and services in Berwick.”
Chairwoman of a group opposed to the application and Vice-President of the Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce, Annette Aldersea, said she was pleased with the outcome.
“We hope the developer can come back with something that fits with the village,” she said.
Campaigner Norm Morrish also said he was “very happy” with the decision.
But former City of Casey councillor Paul Richardson said he was disappointed that other ward councillors did not get up and speak.
“I don’t think their hearts were in it,” he said.