Opponents campaigning against a major new warehouse proposal for West Footscray have been dealt a blow with Maribyrnong council officers backing the project.
CostaFox Developments wants to build 177 warehouses, offices, a childcare centre and restricted retail premises at
25 Indwe Street.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is due to consider the proposal in January after the developer elected not to wait for the council’s verdict on the project.
A council officer’s report due to go before councillors at Tuesday’s City Development Special Committee recommended that the council advises VCAT the decision would have been to permit the project.
The report found the plans for the 72,400-square-metre site conformed to local and state planning policies and were an appropriate response to the site.
More than 90 objections were lodged by neighbouring residents arguing the project will clog residential streets, increase truck numbers and destroy parklands.
The report also accepted a reduction of the required 981 car spaces to 491.
Wefo Residents Group spokesman Julian Davis last week told
Star Weekly residents felt there remained a substantial case for VCAT not allowing the development.
The decision on the project rests with VCAT, regardless of the outcome of last night’s vote by councillors.
Benjamin Millar
