Washed out

By Melissa Meehan
A permit application to build the 24-hour carwash along the Princes Highway, opposite the Consolidated School and just 200 yards from St Patrick’s Primary School has been handed into the Cardinia Shire Council and residents notified.
But neighbouring property owners and other nearby residents say they will do all in their power to ensure it does not go up.
Brenda Dyall lives opposite the property and like other residents around her said she was worried about undesirables, noise and safety of children on their way to and from school.
“I have spoken to many people who didn’t get a letter,” she said.
“I just want people to know.”
Jack Nicholson lives next door to the proposed development and said when the property, located on 158-160 Princes Highway was sold last week, residents thought units were to be built – but was shocked when he received the council’s letter.
“It’s really not the right thing for here,” Mr Nicholson said.
“We’ve got three schools and two childcare centres in the area – it could be disastrous,” Mr Nicholson said.
His sentiment was echoed by St Patrick’s Primary principal Mick O’Brien.
“I understand the Princes Highway is zoned commercial,” Mr O’Brien said.
“So I am aware that any building built on the land will be commercial.
“However, between school drop-off and pick-up times it’s hell out there.”
Mr O’Brien said students from all three schools as well as those at the childcare used the footpath along the highway as a means of getting to and from school.
“I’m worried about the junction between the highway, the service lane and O’Shannessy Street,” he said.
“It’s already a nightmare – it would just bring more chaos and mayhem to the area.”
Unlike Mr Nicholson, Mr O’Brien said he was not worried about an increase in crime and drug use in the area if the car wash was built.
“We already have those sort of problems from pubs nearby,” he said.
“But I would not like living next door to something like this.”
Mr Nicholson also accused the council of “dirty tricks” saying only he and one other resident had received notification of the permit application.
“I’ve been doing my best to spread the word around,” he said.
“But it’s not right, people should know – there’s not even a sign up.”
Cardinia Shire spokesman Paul Dunlop said residents were notified in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act, 1987, and said that residents not yet notified would receive a letter before Friday.
“Cardinia Shire Council’s file records show that all adjoining land owners and occupiers have been notified as per the Act,” Mr Dunlop said.
“Council has requested that the permit applicant erect two signs at the front of the property. Once the signs are collected from council offices and erected on the site, the notification period will run for a further 14 days.”