Planning Minister refuses Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne request for Donvale dome planning scheme amendment

Shaun Campbell, Manningham Leader 

13/2/13

THE Coptic Church’s last-ditch bid for a $10 million dome development in Donvale has failed.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has refused a Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne’s request to amend the planning scheme to allow the sports and function centre to be approved.

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Mr Guy, in a letter to Manningham Council received last week, said any proposal for the potential redevelopment of the site needed public consultation.

The church’s proposal for a 1000-person function centre, basketball and squash courts and basement parking drew the ire of nearby residentsconcerned about excessive noise and traffic.

Donvale Ratepayers Association president Lisa Ralph said residents, who had fought against the development proposal since 2010, were “extremely happy and excited” with the news.

Ms Ralph said residents were happy to work with the church if it decided to put forward “something more suitable”.

Church spokesman Sherif Youssef said Mr Guy’s decision and the fact it took about one-and-half years to make was disappointing.

“Sporting groups and schools have been vocal in their support, so we hope that we can still reach a fairly positive outcome for the wider community,” Mr Youssef said.

The story so far:

August, 2010: Councillors reject the Coptic Church’s plans for a sport and function centre at the group’s Donvale headquarters
March, 2011: VCAT rejects the church’s appeal of the council’s decision
October, 2011: The church applies directly to the Planning Minister, asking for a planning scheme amendment to apply an overlay to its property

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