Mitchell Shire Council has approved a planning permit for a cinema and bowling alley entertainment complex on Tallarook St, Seymour - which has concerned some locals.
Despite being wanted by many since the loss of the Seymour cinema more than 40 years ago, some Tallarook St residents, whilst supportive of the complex, would like to see the location reconsidered.
In a recent council meeting, the cases for and against the cinema were laid out.
Cr Rhonda Sanderson highlighted the net community benefit the complex would bring.
She said that for individuals where travel limitations result in diminished opportunity to access social and recreational activities, the complex would provide a local social outlet.
She also highlighted a lack of a comparable entertainment options in town, and the forecast benefits to Seymour.
Deputy Mayor Cr Louise Bannister said that whilst zoning allows this type of complex to be built amongst housing at the proposed site, it is the role of council to consider individual circumstances.
“I cannot in good conscience support this development due to the location and impact it will have on surrounding houses,” Cr Bannister said.
“The circumstance is somewhat comparable to the movie ‘The Castle’.”
The location of the complex is the adjacent blocks of 13 Tallarook St and 8 Alexander St, which will be home to the two story complex, which will be suitable for 249 patrons.
The plans submitted to council propose 29 on-site car parking spaces and an additional 39 car parking spaces at 122 Eliza St.
John and Caroline Blackwell live next door to the proposed site, they were part of a group of seven objectors with properties near the complex.
The Blackwells sat in on the council meeting and although the approval was not their desired outcome they were pleased to have their viewpoint considered and conditions placed on the permit to address some concerns.
Their primary concerns were increased traffic, noise emanating form the complex and the building overshadowing their home, which is built close to the boundary of their property.
They are also worried about the way such a large building could affect water distribution from storm water, or a future flood on Tallarook street.
“I’ve always wanted the cinema and bowling alley, I just didn’t think they would build a three story complex beside our home,” Mrs Blackwell said.
“The cinema will add 36 cars an hour… there’s so many accidents now and they say it’s okay because Tallarook street is actually part of the Goulburn Valley Highway.
Mrs Blackwell said that although conditions have been placed on the approval of the permit to limit noise, it can only limit the negative impacts to a certain extent.
She said that the increased noise will be seven days a week, even with reduced operating hours, compared to the initial planning application.
“Council aren’t thinking about the sort of businesses that are suitable to be in and amongst housing,” Mrs Blackwell said.
“At 78 years of age, this is why we fought it so hard, John doesn’t want to have to pick up and sell.”
Mrs Blackwell suggests the complex be moved to 122 Eliza St, which is planned to be used as its car park,however the land is currently zoned as an Industrial site, meaning for it to be successfully moved, the land would have to be re-zoned.
“We were suggesting having the land changed to mixed use industrial zone,” Ms Blackwell said.
“The cinema isn’t a sensitive use business, that’s schools, houses and that sort of thing.
“My way of thinking is that if you put the business on the Eliza street property there’s heaps of room and easier access.
“But they are fighting it because they don’t want to spend the money getting the zoning changed.”
Mitchell Shire CEO Brett Luxford said that among other factors, Council determines the outcome of a planning permit application based on the land for which the application is made.
“Any rezoning process must be accompanied with strategic justification to support it. There is presently no proposal in support of rezoning this property,” Mr Luxford said.