WHAT DO YOU THINK? Coptics take Dome proposal to VCAT

Kristian Tkatchenko and local residents are opposed to development of the Coptic Church site in Donvale.

By Shaun Turton
8/12/2010

THE Coptic Church have taken their plans for an $8 million sport and function centre at their Donvale headquarters to the Victorian planning tribunal in a move that has outraged opponents of the development.

An altered version of the proposal, which includes three basketball courts, squash courts, a swimming pool, offices and a cafe, is expected to go before councillors next month before it goes to VCAT mediation on December 20.

What do you think of the proposal? Give your view below.

The councillors’ judgement of the new plans will dictate whether Manningham Council fights or backs the church’s VCAT appeal.

Manningham Council rejected the original plans in September on the grounds the development would be too large, impose on its neighbours, create traffic congestion and require vegetation removal.

Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne spokesman Sherif Youssef said the building’s height had been reduced by four metres and the building would be moved further from neighboring properties in response to concerns by councillors and residents.

But Donvale Ratepayers Association president Kristian Tkatchenko said they were “outraged” that residents were being shut out of the process.

Mr Tkatchenko said the group did not want the centre to be built because of its large foot-print and height and the traffic it would bring to the area.

He said the VCAT appeal had been lodged before the group could meet with the church to negotiate alternative options such as reducing the proposed building to one-third of the size and only two storeys.

But Mr Youssef said the church had received mixed messages from residents about what would be suitable for the site.

He said VCAT put a timeline on the process which could otherwise drag on.

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