Bram Leigh Receptions in Croydon under threat from 32-unit development

Bram Leigh Receptions has a lease on the 0.8ha Mt Dandenong Rd site until 2020, but its long-term future is under threat amid plans to build 32 two-and three-storey units at the property.

The planning application, lodged by the owner in recent weeks, details two groups of four two- and three-bedroom units fronting the road, separated by a driveway servicing all units.

About 55 trees and shrubs would also be axed.

Bram Leigh operator Mary-Anne Lowe, a former Maroondah councillor, assured couples it was business as usual for now.

A wedding at Bram Leigh

She said the award-winning business had a commercial lease until 2020 that “could not be broken” and all bookings would stand until that time.

“We are one of the busiest venues in Victoria, if not the busiest and have 230 weddings booked for the next 12 months,” Ms Lowe said.

“We are also taking more well into the future.”

Bram Leigh's beautiful gardens

Mayor Tony Dib said the council had requested further information about the planning application before it would be advertised to adjoining properties.

“A community consultation meeting is likely to be held early next year before any decision is made by the council,” Cr Dib said.

The venue is in a residential zone and falls in the Ruskin Park precinct, which will be rezoned to Neighbourhood Residential Zone to allow less-intensive development.

Flowers and crystal

The rezoning is part of the Maroondah Housing Strategy and is currently on exhibition.

Ruskin Park spokesman Ian Ashman said 32 units “sounded like a lot”.

“Locals will be really sad to see Bram Leigh and its gorgeous gardens gone,” he said.

A tour of Bram Leigh Receptions, Croydon

Another planning application requesting a 73-dwelling retirement village at the site was rejected by the council in November 2007 before VCAT granted a permit for 69-dwellings and tree removal.

Leader has approached the owner for comment.