City rejects Newcombe Street development

THE CITY of Greater Geelong has sided with objectors to a proposal for a mixed-use development at Portarlington’s main street ahead of a state tribunal decision.

COGG’s planning committee unanimously recommended refusal of a planning permit at 49 Newcombe Street for a four-storey residential and retail complex.

Proponents had already escalated the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, meaning the city is no longer responsible for a decision.

It will instead advocate for VCAT to knock back the proposal following last Wednesday’s vote.

Ahead of the meeting, city officers found the building would fail to enhance natural values or make a positive architectural contribution to Portarlington when assessed against planning policies.

Bellarine Ward councillor and committee chair Jim Mason said despite amendments to the long-running planning saga, the present proposal was still at odds with city planning policy.

“I think it’s disappointing that we still have a four-storey building, when I do note there’s been some a number of adjustments being made.”

“Though there’s been some attempts at negotiation the discussion hasn’t gone far enough, and that’s a disappointment.”

Fellow Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher also backed the officers’ decision.

“I do sympathise with the people who purchased originally and the developers of this because it is obviously not the dream that they had, but I think community sentiment and the planning regulation are just working against them,” Cr Asher said.

Proponents have sent the matter VCAT for a second time after a failed attempt for a similar proposal in 2021.

Its case hearing is listed for early September.

Last time, then-Planning Minister Richard Wynne called in the appeal and decided it should not proceed.

Developers have since sought to scale down the proposal, which would now include 10 apartments and two shopfronts at the bayside of Portarlington.

Objectors, led by the Portarlington Community Association (PCA), have steadfastly campaigned against the idea since its first iteration.

They say new plans fail to address their concerns of over-development and its clash with the existing seaside character of Portarlington.

PCA has also raised the idea of a public buy-back of the site, which would see it converted into public open space connection to the town’s foreshore.