Don’t dare build it here, objectors say in Ocean Grove

A PLANNING application for Ocean Grove for four three-storey townhouse dwellings has some neighbouring residents concerned about privacy.
The application proposes a four-lot division at 110 Dare Street with four dwellings exceeding 7.5 metres in height on the 811sqm block.
Helen Walker has lived next door to the property for more than 20 years and is concerned she’ll lose sunlight with the build only 90cm from her side boundary.
“I found out about the plans a month ago, I will lose sun and I’ll be blocked out. It worries me, the traffic; we have enough trouble with parking in this street,” she said.
“They’ve only got two car parks for each unit but they’re four bedrooms with ensuites. They’ll have visitors, where will they park? There’s nowhere. I’m aware something will be built, but not to that extent.
“Everyone else has two units. Where we live you’ve got to expect that, but not four units three storeys high and right on my boundary.”
City of Greater Geelong planning, design and development director Gareth Smith said the council received 18 objections to the application.
“The site falls within a Residential Growth Zone, which encourages a diversity of housing types in locations that offer good access to services, activity centres and transport.
“The site is located in the Increased Housing Diversity area in accordance with the policy at Clause 22.63 of the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. The proposal still must satisfy the residential development standards (Clause 55) in the planning scheme.
“These standards include assessment against a number of criteria, including matters such as overlooking, overshadowing and the design detail.”

Plans for the site by Sincock Planning state the site is located within the Residential Growth Zone, which intends ‘to provide housing at increased densities in buildings up to and including four-storey buildings’.
The planning report also states the site is located within an area designated by the council for increased densities, through both the land zoning and the Increased House Diversity Areas Policy applicable to the land.
Helen Healey, who lives behind the site, said the plans – previously available on the MILA Development Group site – would mean her backyard would be entirely overlooked.
“I’ve been living here for 50 years. We don’t want Ocean Grove to become like the Gold Coast and I think four three-storey houses on this particular block is too much.
“My backyard would be overlooked by a plunge pool, my son said I’ll be able to enjoy the pool parties and I said ‘Yes, I’ll have to throw something over the fence’.”
Mr Smith said the city would review the objections received and assess the application against the intentions of the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
To see the plans, head to geelongaustralia.com.au.