A toxic site in Fawkner where the component parts of the deadly chemical Agent Orange were once manufactured and stored will be redeveloped, despite protests from locals concerned over contamination left in the soil for decades.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has granted permission for two warehouses to be built on the site in McBryde Street, Fawkner, where agricultural chemicals maker Nufarm once had a factory.

Fawkner resident Brian Snowden at the rear of the contaminated site approved for redevelopment. Credit:Eddie Jim

Nufarm sold the property four decades ago, but from 1955 to 1974 manufactured a range of herbicides, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals on the site.

Among these were two components needed to make the weapon Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War to defoliate trees and destroy crops.