Resident not told about plan to build car park on his land

Commercial Hotel owner Jock O’Connor purchased land behind the hotel two months ago, but at the time was not aware of the council’s plans.

In the Ballan Structure Plan which was initially drafted in 2013, a plan was made to develop the currently vacant block which backs onto Steiglitz Street into a car park.

Mr O’Connor was not approached by council about the plan, despite the fact the planned car park had been known for two years prior to his purchase.

Mr O’Connor said if he had known about the plans earlier, he would not have purchased the block.

“It wouldn’t be worth what it is."

In addition to the car park, a general access area has been designated behind the hotel, which would allow access to the car park and a newly designated retail precinct.

Mr O’Connor said he only found out about the plan when a fellow resident alerted him to the proposal within the structure plan.

After being finalised in 2013 the plan was passed by the Moorabool Shire Council at a special meeting held in Ballan last Thursday. 

The plan was initially set as an agenda item for the council’s final meeting in Baccus Marsh, but was moved to a special meeting after community backlash.

Moorabool Shire major Allan Comrie said while he was surprised Mr O’Connor had not been contacted about the planned car park, there had been relatively little community response about the plan.

Cr Comrie said less than 30 people attended the meeting, with only six choosing to speak.

“If they were not happy that room would have been full.”

Cr Comrie said council had spoken to most members of the Ballan community about the plan, and all but a vocal minority had been in support.

While the plan has been passed, Cr Comrie said the plan only presented a guideline for the town, and was likely to change if major objections were bought before the council.

“We don’t want to upset anybody's lives.

 “It could be 10 or 15 years before anything happens.”