Ocean Grove apartment plan green-lit by VCAT

COMMUNITY objectors have failed at the final hurdle in their bid to prevent a divisive three-storey apartment block from going ahead at Ocean Grove.

The planned development at 57-59 The Parade received approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week following a long planning dispute centred around fears of overdevelopment.

The City of Greater Geelong’s planning committee had unanimously rejected the proposal ahead of the VCAT decision, while hundreds of local campaigners had rallied against the apartment block project.

The approved two-block complex would include 16 apartments and 29 basement car parks.

Developers had amended plans in March, which reduced the building from 17 residences and other layout changes.

The approved permit will include conditions requiring developers to further modify designs, including increased setbacks at upper levels to reduce impact on neighbours’ views and increased landscaping to soften visual impact.

Objector John Finlayson, who was among the respondents to the VCAT case, said community members were disappointed with the tribunal outcome.

“This decision is well below our community’s expectations given it was a unanimous decision by [the city] to reject this unprecedented apartment development.”

Ocean Grove Community Association also fought against the proposal ahead of the VCAT hearing and crowdsourced more than $4,600 to help fund the legal challenge.

The City of Greater Geelong’s planning committee also voted against a permit in March after agreeing with an officer recommendation that the proposal failed to achieve “reasonable sharing of views” and was inappropriate for the area.

“I don’t believe it’s within neighbourhood character… 170 objections tells me that the community don’t want it,” Cr Ron Nelson said at the time.

VCAT member Megan Carew disagreed, and found that the building was appropriately located in the city’s Increased Housing Diversity Area, which allowed buildings of up to four storeys and encouraged infill housing development.

“The permit applicant contends that the amended proposal is a high-quality architectural response that reflects the site’s location within the Residential Growth Zone,” the decision stated.

“The applicant says that the amenity impacts, including impacts on views, are acceptably managed and that matters of car parking and traffic are addressed.”

Ms Carew rejected the city’s submission that its housing policy indicated developments of that scale should be located closer to commercial areas.

She also found the proposal would not have a significant impact on town character, noting that the IHDA already has several three-storey developments approved and built – including a nine-apartment building at 123 The Parade.