By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A LONG-RUNNING planning permit saga over a chemical storage facility in North Geelong’s Roseneath St has been called in for a councillor panel hearing.
Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said the controversial application, running since 2001, had attracted many objectors.
“Councillors have had to be a little bit careful about putting a view forward on this because that may preclude them from casting a vote should the issue arise at council,” Cr Kontelj said.
“This hearing gives councillors an opportunity to hear from the applicant and the objectors. Given the interest in this issue, I feel it is best for the process that councillors make the call on the application.”
The Independent revealed last week that proponents of the facility were pushing ahead under the terms of existing permit conditions.
Teleta Group has applied for a permit to store and blend up to 1.5 million litres of chemicals, including flammable and dangerous goods.
The company requested a four-week hiatus in the permit application following the spate of objections.
Cr Kontelj said council had now received all the information it had wanted from the applicant.
But he said the issue of Teleta using the former Ferro site under existing use permits would be the subject of legal advice.
“If the applicants are able to prove they have existing use rights we need to review how we approach it, because it becomes a legal matter.
“We can hear from the objectors and the applicant if they care to present on the current application for the storage of chemicals and building works associated with that.”
The panel hearing has been scheduled for 19 November.
