The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decided on April 7 to refuse an application for 40 gaming machines at the proposed Laurimar Tavern.

But Laurimar Tavern developer George Adams Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Tattersalls, announced last week it would lodge an appeal with

the Supreme Court of Victoria’s Court of Appeal.

Whittlesea Council sustainability planning acting manager Felicity Leahy confirmed the council would be party to the appeal.

Tattersalls spokesman Michael Mangos said the developer would appeal because: “The size of the property and the requirements under the council’s Laurimar Development Plan make the development of a hotel without gaming unfeasible.”

Doreen resident and anti-pokies campaigner Reverend Glynis Dickens said the community would continue the fight at the Supreme Court.

“They can expect just as big a fight on their hands as last time,” she said.

Ms Dickens said she was disappointed the case would be taken to the Supreme Court because the grounds of the VCAT case had not changed.

“I think they should just cut their losses and sell it to a family-friendly developer because it’s going to be a huge waste of money for them,” she said.

Whittlesea council’s responsible gaming forum chairman Sam Alessi said the council would continue the fight because the community was so overwhelmingly against gaming machines.

“Why not look at concepts of developing a tavern that will be economical for them without the poker machines because that’s what the community wants,” he said.

The VCAT appeal cost the council $187,000 and it is unknown how much the Supreme Court appeal could cost ratepayers.