Rebels clubhouse knocked back by Vic Park council

The Town voted on the ban after the club converted the Milford Street warehouse in East Victoria Park last July.

A Town of Victoria Park investigation confirmed the property was being used as club premises without planning approval last October..

In December, the club applied for retrospective planning approval for change of use from factory units/ warehouse to ‘unlisted use’ – club premises. The Town received 20 submission objecting to the club, however a number of concerns raised by the community were not relevant planning considerations.

Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan said the Town was involved with planning issues.

“Any matters relating to the tenants or any anti-social behaviour is being handled by the police. The WA Police made a submission as part of the community consultation process, which was undertaken by the Town,” he said.

The club can go to the State Administration Tribunal to apply for review of the decision.

This is not a new case for a local government. In July 2013, the City of Cockburn rejected an application from the RMC who sought retrospective planning approval for a change of use of a factory to a club premises.

The application was rejected because it was thought the presence of the club would be a “risk to the amenity of the surrounding area” and “would send a message of acceptance”.

After more than a year of talks between the City and the club, the council granted retrospective planning approval.

It accepted the application after SAT mediation. The decision had to be made based on land use and not who would use the premises.