The Kew supermarket saga continues, with the Boroondara Council taking the Planning Minister and a James Packer-backed consortium to the Supreme Court over the controversial $520 million Kew development. The council's legal action challenges the minister's fast-tracked approval of the 18-storey residential and retail project, arguing it was legally unreasonable and based on errors in law. The heart of the dispute lies in the developer's offer to create a new public area on council-owned land, which the council claims the developer does not own or control. This development, dubbed 'Kew Village', promises 194 homes and ground-floor retail, but the council wants to ensure it fits the space, includes affordable housing, and delivers a public environment that benefits the community. The council's concerns extend to the state government's Development Facilitation Program, which allows for bypassing local regulations to fast-track housing projects. Boroondara Mayor Wes Gault emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, where the community's best interests are prioritized. The case raises questions about the role of local councils in development decisions and the state government's approach to housing projects. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Kew's landscape and the balance between development and community needs remain in question.
