A BATTLE is brewing in the historic town of Maldon between heritage values and progress.The Maldon Community Bank's planning application, which proposes a 5m by 16m bank in High Street, has upset residents who believe the building flies in the face of the town's proud heritage.The bank is a franchise of the Bendigo and Adelaide bank.Chairwoman of the Maldon Action Association Hilary Da Costa and committee member Peter Cuffley said the proposed building would dominate the townscape."The fact is we love Maldon so much and we don't want to see it spoiled,'' Ms Da Costa said.Mr Cuffley said any building needed to be sympathetic with Maldon's streetscape. "The bank's selling point is that it's here for the community, yet there has been no community consultation as to what is appropriate."The fact is, these sort of situations tend to divide the community."The proposal goes against the planning scheme and heritage controls, and this is one of the most prominent sites in town."We're against the detail, scale and treatment of the surfaces."The heritage of Maldon is what underpins the economy.''Friends of Maldon group members Spenser and Dianne Tunks said the community bank was not showing respect for the community."The bank has brought life to the town, and we are not against the bank,'' Mr Tunks said. ``We are against the building.'' Maldon Community Bank chairman Ronald Snep defended the application and said the size of the building was similar to that of other buildings in the town's main street."The simple fact is, the bank has outgrown the old building, which is a good thing."We have abided by the proper processes. "We have worked with heritage consultants and designers."I think for some people it comes down to a question of aesthetics."There will be some who won't like it.''The residents against the planning application have gathered almost 500 signatures on a petition against the building.But Mr Snep said the petition wasn't significant because the drawing of the building misrepresented the planning application."Everything that we do costs money, which in turn costs the community,'' he said.Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Philip Schier said the next step would be a mediation meeting between the applicant and objectors."If there are still objections after that, then the planning application will go to the council,'' he said.Cr Schier said that given the number of objections he would be surprised if they were withdrawn."In a sense you would expect concerns to be raised in Maldon."Any new building is going to be well scrutinised."My understanding is that the bank is very aware of the community's concerns and it comes down to finding the right balance."There are different views on heritage and what is appropriate.''