Mixed feelings for Dare Street developments

PLANNERS have unveiled plans to knock down an existing house in central Ocean Grove to split a Dare Street block into four townhouses.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising plans for 67 Dare Street, just off President’s Avenue, for the four-bedroom, three-storey homes all with pools and double carports.

The planning application argues the development fits into a city planning clause that encourages increased housing diversity and high-density developments close to popular activity centers, which includes areas in central Ocean Grove.

It also points to changing character of surrounding streets, which are increasingly becoming populated with higher and more modern buildings, as justification for the proposal.

“The site is located within an area of land designated for ‘residential growth’. The area is designated due to its proximity to the town centre that includes retailing, offices, eateries, the Ocean Grove library, with schools, pre-schools, local parks and reserves including the ocean also close by,” planning documents stated.

“There are obvious signs of change in the Increased Housing Diversity Area with new development becoming more evident.

“The change that is occurring is a result of the Council policy for higher densities and as such two and three storey dwellings are becoming more commonly found.

“The character of the area is also evolving as a result of this change, with more contemporary architecture also evident.”

But the Dare Street development has already drawn some opposition from neighbours, who are primarily concerned with traffic impacts at the busy central Ocean Grove area, neighbourhood character impacts and privacy concerns from nearby residents.

Ocean Grove residents have also opposed a recently advertised apartment block at The Parade, which was for 17 apartments, with similar concerns.

The proposal is open for public comment until October 20 at the city’s planning website.