Plans for a $970,000 well-ness retreat in Yea – ‘Little Bhutan’ – will be put before Murrindindi Shire Council tonight (Wed.).

The retreat, which plans to include yoga activities, a restaurant and group accommodation, is planned for grazing land at 5393 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Yea (east of Limestone Rd).

It is in a farming zone, approximately 3kms to the east of the Yea township.

A 96-page planning permit application is for land owned by Sherin Wong.
The name of the permit applicant has been redacted from Council documents being presented to tonight’s meeting at Alexandra.

The application was first submitted to Council in November last year.

The applicant is requesting buildings and works including yoga hall, main building (comprising kitchen, lounge etc), meditation hall, five guest villas and a residents dwelling.

The yoga studio is the primary purpose of the application.

There is provision of 71 car parking spaces across the site.

A two-storey building will include the restaurant. The dining hall will have an outdoor eating area capable of seating 20 people and 30 seats inside (50 seats altogether).

The restaurant is intended to be used by guests attending the retreat but will also be open to the public.

The matter is going before Council because a neighbour lodged an objection.

“They key issues for Council’s consideration relate to whether the proposal is an appropriate form of tourism for the area and whether the proposal will have an adverse effect on amenity and agricultural activities in the area.”