Sydenham residents who had expressed concerns about planning permit for a supported residential services (SRS) facility are breathing a sigh of relief after Brimbank council knocked it back.
The proposed facility was to be opened at 1-5 Profita Avenue, Profita Lodge — the same site of a previous SRS facility, Sydenham Grace which was operated by different owners Grace Disability Services (GDS).
Brimbank council city futures director Leanne Deans said the planning permit was declined following a considered assessment of the application.
“There were 67 objections received, and it was determined that the proposal would introduce social and amenity concerns to the neighbourhood due to the number of residents proposed to be housed at the address,” she said.
Sydenham resident Brendan Maughan said he is “really pleased that council didn’t just rubber stamp it” and was concerned a new facility would bring anti-social residents into the area.
The concern was shared by other Sydenham locals who allege residents from the previous Sydenham Grace facility wandered the streets and committed anti-social acts within close proximity of a childcare centre.
Sydenham Grace was closed in 2022 after a state government investigation discovered GDS had failed to meet regulations to protect the health and wellbeing of its residents, resulting in the cancellation of Sydenham Grace’s registration.
In a statement to Star Weekly, Peyton Waite PL Town Planners director Martyn Thompson said it is disappointing to see that a scare campaign was able to be successfully run that resulted in misinforming the community about what is actually proposed.
“Our clients have bought these premises with the intention of bringing appropriate supported care back to the community,” he said.
“Obviously, we are disappointed with the decision and the inability to discuss the application with the local community, which we thought was highly likely in light of the previous owner or occupiers misuse of the premises a few years ago.
“It is highly likely to proceed to VCAT now, where a real discussion and consideration of the issues can be made and we welcome the community to be part of that.”
