THE state’s planning tribunal has found that a perceived “philosophical objection” from Castlemaine residents to commercial advertising is not enough to stop the approval of a billboard.
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The billboard at the southern exit from the town was rejected by Mount Alexander Shire councillors in April, but has been conditionally approved by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The overall height of the proposed sign on Johnstone Street – which will face south-bound traffic heading towards Daylesford – was reduced by a metre to 5.25 metres, including its elevation off the ground.
It was initially rejected by council over concerns that it did not provide a welcoming entrance to Castlemaine and would set a precedent for more billboards around town. The billboard received 28 objections from residents.
But VCAT member Susan Whitney found that the sign would only obscure views of a carpet business, also on the property, and was not “inappropriate in the landscape”.
“What I did perceive from many submitters was a philosophical objection to the notion of commercial advertising, and major promotional signage in particular, in Castlemaine,” she said.
The rear of the sign must be constructed in a colour that matches the neighbouring bushland.
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