Concrete plant knocked back

CASEY council has refused an application to build a concrete batching plant in Devon Meadows.
Seven residents objected to the Devon Road development, claiming it would increase the amount of noise, dust emissions and traffic movements from the site.
A report presented to Tuesday night’s Council Planning Committee Meeting said that although the proposed land fell into the Green Wedge Zone, the applicants had demonstrated a connection between the batching plant and the sand extraction use already operating at the site.
“It was suggested that the proposed concrete batching plant could then be permissible in the zone as it could be considered as ancillary to the existing use,” the report said.
It stated that the council sought legal advice and was informed that the two uses were classed as separate entities and should not be considered to be an ancillary use.
“With this in mind, each use must be either as of right or permitted within the zone or else there will be a breach of the Planning Scheme.
“The fact that one use (sand extraction) has previously been authorised does not prevent the proposed use of the concrete batching plant from being prohibited,” the report said.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler said neighbouring residents were happy with the decision, which he believed was the ‘right way to go’.