Hallam sex shop managing director Jodie Gowans will take a bid to open another store in Pakenham to VCAT.
By Paul Dunlop
A HALLAM sex shop owner’s bid to open another store is headed for the state planning tribunal.
Sextastic Adult Variety Stores has lodged an application for review with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against Cardinia Shire Council’s refusal to grant a planning permit for a shop in Michael Street, Pakenham.
Councillors said the proposal was too close to future residential development.
But Sextastic managing director Jodie Gowans said she was disappointed with the council’s attitude.
“We did everything asked of us by council regarding a suitable site that meets the planning criteria,” Mrs Gowans said.
“The community support has been fantastic and we have built up a very strong customer base from Pakenham over the past three years.”
Mrs Gowans said Sextastic had been successful at VCAT in the past with its Hallam store having to fight the City of Casey council in 2002.
She said Sextastic had plans to expand throughout Australia and New Zealand and Pakenham was the first step in the “battle of expansion”.
When Cardinia council refused a permit at a meeting in July, a town planners’ report said the Sextastic proposal generally complied with planning regulations but that land about 180 metres to the north was identified for future housing.
An adult bookshop is not allowed within 200 metres of a residential area.
VCAT will hear the application for review in the next few months.
