Murrindindi Council will consider a Planning Permit application at its June 27 Ordinary Meeting which proposes new uses for Yea’s historic Butter Factory.

The Yea Butter Factory, built in 1905, is a three-storey brick building which sits on approximately 1.75 hectares of land between Rattray Street and View Street in Yea.

Since the manufacture of butter was discontinued in 1993, the site has been used as a dwelling and, for a short time, as a restaurant. The building and surrounds are protected under a Heritage Overlay in the Murrindindi Planning Scheme.

Murrindindi Shire Council General Manager Infrastructure and Development, Stuart McConnell, said the proposed new uses of the site have the potential to provide a positive economic outcome for the community and increase tourism opportunities for the area.

“The application requests permission to hold theatre productions, wellness classes, conferences, functions and concerts within the historic building. The application also proposes minor alterations to the historic building and the provision of on-site parking.

“The planning application will be reported to Council because a formal objection was lodged by a nearby landowner. The objection has raised concerns about the proposed hours of operation, traffic and amenity impacts. A Council officer report, set to be presented at the next Council meeting, will discuss these matters in further detail,” Mr McConnell added.

The Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held at 6pm Wednesday, June 27,in the Alexandra Chambers on Perkins Street. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.

– Contributed