Locals protest multi-storey development in Garfield

Locals took to Garfield’s main street last week to protest a multi-story development proposed for the centre of town.

Cannibal Creek Bakehouse is next to the site and owners fear the development would severely impact their business.

Garfield architect and concerned resident John Kirk said the development was trying to cram a massive building onto a small site, near 41 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd.

“They’re trying to squeeze on as much leasable area as possible,” Mr Kirk said.

After looking over the plans, Mr Kirk said there were many fundamental flaws to the proposal.

The development features a multi-story commercial and residential building, which would mean demolishing the former Magpie and Stump café building. He said the two-story building would overshadow houses on Ritchie St, and narrow pathways would require a tight squeeze.

“They don’t take into account the fact that you’re opening windows and electric boxes…you would have to squeeze down beside the building,” Mr Kirk said.

A carpark also is proposed in the middle of the block, meaning the canopy at Cannibal Creek Bakehouse and Café would be demolished.

“They don’t have disabled parking, they don’t have any pedestrian access from the car park, it’s a very big development on a very small site,” Mr Kirk said.

The Cannibal Creek Bakehouse issued a statement regarding the development.

“The application poses considerable concerns and challenges for us, and if it were to proceed, would severely impact our business.

“We are working with the owner of the site – who is the applicant and also our landlord – with the intention of negotiating to secure the future of our business…and to ensure the original wood-fired Scotch oven will be baking bread for the community for generations to come,” the statement said.

Concerned resident Tony Fitzgerald said Cardinia Shire Council had not done an overview plan of Garfield for many years, where a guideline was set for the uniqueness, age, and type of buildings to be constructed in the town.

“Any development you do should be in line with getting a plan,” he said.

The protestors agree the new development would ruin the country feeling of Garfield.

“So if you start putting in block buildings, well you wouldn’t want to do that in Yarragon, it ruins the whole feel of the town,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

He said new developments should consider other businesses and cafes in town.

“It’s not actually anti-development at all, it’s doing it in a way that people’s businesses will survive and for the staff to keep their jobs,” Mr Fitzgerald said.