MANSFIELD Shire Council has approved a planning permit for a proposed lavender farm in Merrijig despite fierce opposition from members of the community.

Councillors granted a permit for planning application and development of land for a dwelling, two outbuildings and an agricultural shed on 152 Davies Road in Merrijig during a nearly four-hour council meeting last week.

However, the fragrant farm will need to abide by a list of more than 30 conditions to satisfy councillors' and neighbours' concerns.

The motion to grant the permit was previously delayed during the April council meeting after councillors determined further deliberation and information was needed.

There were 12 objectors to the permit application, with many voicing concerns around increased traffic, biosecurity risks and overall impact on neighbouring properties, especially in relation to horse welfare.

The current dwelling was also a point of controversy and was described as having decks and annexes added over the past few years, with planning issues since 2019, and a stop work order issued at one point.

Applicant Tony Roussos gave his deputation during last week’s meeting and said he had readdressed elements of the plan after listening to feedback and collaborated with Mansfield Shire planning staff to prioritise “transparency”.

“We have chosen to remove the existing structure and with that also, remove any unfair advantage that may have seen to be gained,” he said.

“We feel that this is a fair and equitable outcome for all stakeholders,” he said.

Mr Roussos said he maintained his farm management plan was on track to meet milestones and timelines.

He confirmed the existing dwelling had not been removed yet.

Cr Mark Holcombe reminded Mr Roussos that the history of compliance on his site had been, in diplomatic terms, “pretty ordinary”.

“It has created a degree of mistrust within the local community," he said.

Merrijig resident John Dyson spoke in opposition to the planning permit and expressed his dismay at the “lack of transparency”.

“The retrospective planning approval for this will set a precedent for our community, a precedent that will encourage any resident to construct any type of illegal dwelling on any size block in any planning zone,” he said.

During the council meeting, shire statutory planning coordinator Nicole Embling confirmed the “farming actions and operations” proposed do not require a planning permit.

“It is up to the landowner to undertake farming activities on the land in accordance with planning scheme," she said.

After much deliberation, Cr Paul Sladdin moved a motion for council to grant a permit in accordance with 36 conditions.

Cr Rohan Webb seconded the motion but said he could not remember a “more contentious planning approval”.

“This has caused an enormous amount of objection in the local community and an enormous amount of contention in council,” he said.

“Mr Roussos has now accepted to remove the existing structure which from my point of view was one of the most contentious points.”

Cr Webb reminded Mr Roussos that council “did not agree with his flaunting of the planning scheme”.

“People cannot do whatever they wish here," he said.

Cr James Tehan spoke against the motion and said he sympathised with the objectors.

Cr Mark Holcombe endorsed Cr Tehan’s comments and said it was up to the applicant to “rebuild trust with council and the community".

“If you don’t have the support of your neighbours, it won't become a very pleasant place to live,” he said.

All five councillors voted in favour of the motion.