Happy Pets Haven volunteers, Sue Little, Mandy Elder, Serena Eldridge and Shelly Culpin, with founder Trish Burke and rescued dog, Poppy, are celebrating the foundation's permit approval.
Kylie Kitchen
Pets Haven has won its battle against Macedon Ranges Council to stay at its Woodend premises.
On Monday, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing was held to dispute council's 2012 decision to refuse the shelter a retrospective planning permit.
In an unusual move, the VCAT member, Alison Slattery, spontaneously visited the premises and made an on-the-spot decision.
After hearing from both parties on Monday, Ms Slattery took up an invitation to see Pets Haven for herself.
She inspected the premises and handed down the ruling on site, instead of waiting the usual six weeks.
"I have decided to set aside the council decision to refuse the application and direct the council to issue a permit in accordance with the endorsed plans and subject to the conditions in the appendix to this order. My decision and reasons were given orally at the second part of the hearing held on site," Ms Slattery said in the order.
Pets Haven founder, Trish Burke was relieved at the prompt decision.
"Winning our VCAT hearing and being notified immediately instead of having to wait six weeks was such a surreal and emotional moment; many tears flowed," she said.
"The feeling among all of our Pets Haven members was like a major battle had been finally won and we could continue on in protecting our orphaned animals.
"Our history with Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been very stressful, our reputation was at times placed at risk and financially this has been very detrimental to our not-for-profit charity. The money and time we have spent should have gone towards our shelter animals.
"We hope that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will now finally leave us alone and respect the decision which VCAT has made.
"I would really love to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Pets Haven.
"We plan on continuing to rescue and rehouse orphaned animals and to rehabilitate injured and abused animals."
Council planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo gave a brief response to council's loss at the hearing.
"Council will continue to work with the operators of Pets Haven to ensure an appropriate level of service is provided to the community concerning the animal shelter," she said.
"VCAT's decision to support Pets Haven's proposal will be implemented following receipt of formal documentation from VCAT."
Council refused the permit application last March on a belief the shelter lacked core commercial activity for the business 1 zone.
Pets Haven has won its battle against Macedon Ranges Council to stay at its Woodend premises.
On Monday, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing was held to dispute council's 2012 decision to refuse the shelter a retrospective planning permit.
In an unusual move, the VCAT member, Alison Slattery, spontaneously visited the premises and made an on-the-spot decision.
After hearing from both parties on Monday, Ms Slattery took up an invitation to see Pets Haven for herself.
She inspected the premises and handed down the ruling on site, instead of waiting the usual six weeks.
"I have decided to set aside the council decision to refuse the application and direct the council to issue a permit in accordance with the endorsed plans and subject to the conditions in the appendix to this order. My decision and reasons were given orally at the second part of the hearing held on site," Ms Slattery said in the order.
Pets Haven founder, Trish Burke was relieved at the prompt decision.
"Winning our VCAT hearing and being notified immediately instead of having to wait six weeks was such a surreal and emotional moment; many tears flowed," she said.
"The feeling among all of our Pets Haven members was like a major battle had been finally won and we could continue on in protecting our orphaned animals.
"Our history with Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been very stressful, our reputation was at times placed at risk and financially this has been very detrimental to our not-for-profit charity. The money and time we have spent should have gone towards our shelter animals.
"We hope that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will now finally leave us alone and respect the decision which VCAT has made.
"I would really love to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Pets Haven.
"We plan on continuing to rescue and rehouse orphaned animals and to rehabilitate injured and abused animals."
Council planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo gave a brief response to council's loss at the hearing.
"Council will continue to work with the operators of Pets Haven to ensure an appropriate level of service is provided to the community concerning the animal shelter," she said.
"VCAT's decision to support Pets Haven's proposal will be implemented following receipt of formal documentation from VCAT."
Council refused the permit application last March on a belief the shelter lacked core commercial activity for the business 1 zone.
So a pet shop...who makes their money on the backs of breeding puppy farm dogs would be ok for this location...but not an animal shelter??
ReplyDeleteCouncil, it is about time that you replaced the vigilantes (you know who I am talking about) who are using the councils name to attack this group, and try to work WITH Pets Haven.
Thousands of people come through Woodend to visit Pets Haven. Thousands of people who spend money WHILST in Woodend.
Not many people have a reason to divert off the freeway otherwise.
Smarten up!! Businesses WILL suffer if Pets Haven is moved.
I agree with the above post in that I visit Woodend to see Pet's Haven, then have lunch and shop. I did this with friends last week and with family this weekend. P.H. is good for Woodend businesses.
ReplyDelete