At the March 11, 2014 meeting in Lilydale - councillors unanimously rejected the application.

AT December 10 meeting, five Yarra Ranges councillors rejected their town planners 20+ page recommendation to refuse the permit application.  Then on March 11, 2014 - voted unanimously to reject the application.

The application is non-compliant with Clauses 15.01-1,15.01-4, 19.02-1, 19.02-3, 21.04-2 and 22.01 of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. It is not in accordance with clause 17.01-1 and 21.11. This is an important decision with lasting consequences.

December 16, 2013 - Upper Yarra Mail new story
Centre bid on ice

The original planners decision - contained within the Dec 10, 2013 agenda available online here

"The application has been assessed under the relevant State and Local Planning Policies, the Low Density Residential Zone and relevant Particular Provisions of the planning scheme. The use of the land as an Education Centre is considered inappropriate given the scale, location, uncertain risk management and nature of the use. This would result in unnecessary and extensive risks to public safety and amenity in the residential area. This would not achieve a net community benefit and thus, is considered unacceptable. It is recommended that the application be refused and a Notice of Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit be issued." 

****Below - our suggested contact letter to local councillors as we campaigned against the application by Narconon to move from an isolated location 13kms from town - into a residential setting.****

If you are not sure what to put in an email - how about this?

Narconon permit application is for an inappropriate location
(Ed: this is the message we tried to convey - based on the 20 page recommendation recommending refusal - on December 10th, 2013)

Dear Councillor,

At the December 10 meeting of Yarra Ranges Council meeting, please support your town planner’s recommendation to refuse the Green Gables change of use permit application by Narconon/ Get Off Drugs Naturally.

Green Gables is an inappropriate location for running a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. Close to a school, residents and township. Away from the isolation which is the foundation of their model.

This is the view of over 350 Warburton residents who have made written submissions about the loss of amenity in their community should the change of use permit be approved.

 The Warburton Police have also made very clear their reservation – specifically in these closing comments of their second submission. 

Quote: 

With all consideration I do not consider the information provided satisfies my concerns regarding risks, risk management relevant to public safety.

Unquote:

At the December 10 meeting, I encourage you to hear your community’s voice and support your town planners recommendation to refuse this change of use permit application.