Council says no to Barwon Heads mansion plan

CITY of Greater Geelong councillors have rejected a seven-bedroom residence just outside Barwon Heads village due to concerns it would jar with its surrounding environment.

A city planning committee narrowly voted down the plan at 2-4 Stephens Parade last month, citing heritage, environment, amenity and neighbourhood character impacts.

The proposal had applied for permission to demolish two existing houses and other structures to make way for a grand two-storey mansion with a building footprint of 520sqm.

It had drawn 46 objections during its advertising phase earlier this year, with residents primarily concerned with overdevelopment, inconsistencies with existing buildings and impacts on the landscape in the Thirteenth Beach Road and Barwon Heads Golf Club area.

The proponent rejected an offer to be part of a consultation meeting because they felt it was unlikely to reach a resolution, council documents said.

City officers had recommended approving a permit with conditions after assessing the proposal with internal and external authorities.

Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher moved the alternate motion to reject the proposal after agreeing with community concerns.

“There’s no question this is a stunning and eye-catching development proposal… unfortunately, that’s the issue,” Cr Asher said.

“The big concern for the local residents here is that it doesn’t protect the unique character of the neighbourhood.

“There’s a clear push from the community to retain the local coastal character.”

Fellow Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said he was “surprised” and “unconvinced” by argument to tick off the project.

“I’m disappointed that more efforts weren’t done to consult in the first place.

“If someone wants to live in the community they might want to be part of the community and not start off with angst.”

Cr Anthony Aitken sided with the Bellarine Ward councillors including mayor Trent Sullivan, and said he feared approval could open the floodgates for similar proposals.

Councillors Ron Nelson and Belinda Moloney voted in favour of the development, arguing the nature of the proposed building was outside the scope of the council’s planning decisions.

“There’s a lot of modern houses in the village of Barwon Heads. They’re not in my taste, but that’s not what we’re here for,” Cr Nelson said.

“[The house] is in a significant part of Barwon Heads but it’s not part of the main village, it’s very separate… I don’t see that there’s anything wrong with it.”