Council is in receipt of two planning permit applications (PLN/2023/352 and PLN/2023/353), which are seeking approval for the use and development of land for service centres at two sites on the Calder Freeway in Woodend.

Both sites are located approximately 900 metres north or Romsey Road, Woodend.

These applications have brought significant public interest, and as such Council will provide regular updates on this page as the matter progresses.

PLN/2023/353

This application is located on the western side of the Calder Freeway.

It was appealed at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 30 January 2025 due to Council not making a decision on the application within the required 60 day timeframe. This is due to the outstanding nature of what Council views as being key supporting documents required to assess the application, along with formal advice from the Department of Transport and Planning.

Council has not yet formed a position on the application, but will do so leading into the VCAT proceedings which commence in April. Council will be legally represented throughout this process.

The application is currently on public notice (advertising) through VCAT, with the relevant documents able to be viewed using one of the following options:

If you wish to contest the application or be heard in relation to this application, you must:

  1. Give a statement of grounds to VCAT.
  2. Provide a copy to the Applicant (Whiteman Property and Associated – Andrew Page – 03 9466 8819)
  3. Email a copy to Council at mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au

These steps must be completed by 4pm on Friday 21 March 2025.

If you have any difficulties with applying online, call VCAT on 1300 01 8228 and select 5.

PLN/2023/352

This application is located on the eastern side of the freeway.

This application is still under assessment.