By KERRI-ANNEMESNER
BRIMBANK City Council is investigating whether a North Sunshine building, which has been the centre of residents’ complaints that it was being used as a drug centre, was illegally demolished.
North Sunshine resident Peter Thomson contacted Star last week about the demolition of the abandon former milk bar where residents had seen drug users and pushers gather.
Mr Thomson said he and other residents were happy to see the building, on the corner of Comptom Parade and Suffolk Rd, demolished as it might mean less drug activity in the area.
Brimbank City Council development and statutory services general manager Peter Collina said the search of council’s database indicated there was no building permit issued for any building works at the North Sunshine property, nor was there any record of a demolition permit issued or any building surveyor being appointed to issue any permits.
“A Planning Permit was granted on 25 May 2007 for 15 Suffolk Rd, Sunshine North (cnr Compton Parade) for the construction of a double-storey dwelling to the rear of the existing building, a change of use of the site to an office and dwelling and a reduction in the standard car parking rate,” Mr Collina said.
“The expiry date for the use and development to commence in accordance with the planning permit is two years.
“Council has no record of any building or demolition permit for this address at this stage.
“This matter has been referred to the council’s enforcement staff to investigate if work is being undertaken without a permit.”
Mr Thomson said residents had been raising drug-related issues with the Neighbourhood Watch in North Sunshine since the problems became worse about 18 months ago.
He said there had been drug issues in the past five to 10 years, but it was during the past 18 months drug dealing and using had become more regular since the milk bar had shut.
Mr Thomson said residents had taken down car registration details and descriptions of suspected drug dealers and users and handed them to police.
He said the majority of residents in the area were long-term, some having lived in the same house for up to 40 years.
