Parlour decision looms

Funeral director, Libby Moloney, is proposing a funeral parlour at Forest Street, Woodend, which she said is an ideal location.

Woodend residents opposed to a funeral parlour application in a Residential 1 Zone are awaiting the outcome of next week's council meeting. Photo: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

A funeral parlour application in residential Woodend will come before council next Wednesday.

Macedon Ranges Council has received a number of submissions to the proposal, from local supporters and objecting neighbours.

The application is for a 'change of use' permit to allow for body storage, preparation and viewing, and funeral planning to take place at the dwelling.

Residents have submitted objections to the proposal arguing against location suitability, noise, smell, and traffic.

Applicant, funeral director and Woodend resident, Libby Moloney of Tirra Funerals, said the business is well-suited to the Forest Street area.

"Given the home-based nature of my work, to find a home nestled in that mixed use already makes it the perfect place," she said.

"The stretch between High Street and Forest Street is already a mixed use zone with the church, police station, court house, historical society."

Ms Moloney said the nature of her business is discrete.

"Most of my business in in the people's homes - it's gentle, quiet," she said.

"It's an integrated end of life, after death and funeral care service.

"We walk along the journey with the family (from palliative to care to the funeral service) and be a support throughout the journey."

Ms Moloney said the proposal is about offering a personal, home-based and green funeral service.

"Very, very soon the Macedon Ranges is going to need another funeral parlour," she said.

"You could get a McDonalds type one in an industrial area or you can get me.

"I've received incredible support. Our community really wants natural, sustainable end of life options and I'm here to offer them."

Families living in Forest and Jefferys streets said they are dismayed at the prospect of a mortuary among their homes.

Neighbours fear that if the application is passed it will set a precedent for commercial ribbon development along Woodend's main entrances.

One neighbour said the developer should take advantage of vacant commercial land in the town's centre. 

"Why take up cheaper housing sites for commerce in our residential areas? We can't understand why such an application is even being considered in a residential area.

"If passed, a precedent is set for further unwelcome commercial development along Forest Street. 

"The loss of housing sites to commerce puts tremendous pressure on council's stated aim of keeping future growth within present town boundaries and places rural land at risk of development."

Some residents said the application is inconsistent with Residential One Zoning that sets out to "encourage residential development that respects neighbourhood character". 

"The shire's stated policy is to avoid expansion along major entry roads and to keep business development in the centre of town," a neighbour said.

"Why should we have a mortuary among one of the most historic and attractive streets in our town?"