Protest: Neil Patterson and other residents of Barkly Street fear traffic chaos.
A GROUP of Barkly Street residents fear there would be traffic chaos if a proposal goes ahead to convert Ballarat’s former Lisa Lodge building into a medical clinic.
The Mair Street General Practice wants to move from its current Mair Street site, and has submitted a planning application to the City of Ballarat.
But a number of Barkly Street residents say it would make the current dangerous traffic conditions even worse.
Last week an 18-year-old man walked away with minor cuts and bruises when his car flipped onto its roof on the busy Ballarat street.
Resident Neil Patterson said he could recall many accidents in recent times.
Mr Patterson said that unlike the former Lisa Lodge, where people stayed for the day, a medical clinic would mean a lot of stop-and-start traffic.
There was only limited parking on the street, which had fast-moving traffic, bus stops, intersections, bicycle lanes, elderly people and school children.
“It is going to make it even more dangerous than it already is,” Mr Patterson said.
“Someone is going to end up getting hurt.”
The centre has 22 parking spaces on site, but is seeking a reduction in its parking, which would not meet council requirements.
The Mair Street General Practice declined to comment to The Courier yesterday but, in a letter to residents, the practice said “there will be little impact on parking in the area”.
City of Ballarat growth and development director Eric Braslis said a mediation was recently held with residents on the issue, and the council had requested more information about the application.
rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au