No go for Grovedale housing block, Newcomb servo

CITY of Greater Geelong councillors have rejected officer recommendations and blocked proposals for a 41-lot Grovedale subdivision and a Newcomb service station.

The city’s planning committee voted down both plans last week after a majority of councillors believed the projects would conflict with their surrounding environments and produce unacceptable amenity outcomes.

The planned Grovedale build at Marshalltown Road is about 500 metres west of Marshall Railway Station and within an Increased Housing Diversity Area earmarked for high-density, infill development.

Applicants and city officers said the 8,093 sqm site offered an ideal opportunity for more intense development and would create much-needed affordable housing supply.

But coucillors disagreed and said the planned development would conflict with its neighbouring properties.

“I can’t support that development. I think if people want to live in a small townhouse they’ll go to Armstrong Creek – it’s only five minutes away,” Cr Ron Nelson said.

“That large-scale development is not Geelong, it’s Melbourne, and it’s not in keeping with the area.”

Councillors Belinda Moloney, Trent Sullivan and Sarah Mansfield backed Cr Nelson’s alternate motion. Councillors Peter Murrihy and Jim Mason were opposed.

Meanwhile, the council also voted to refuse a plan for a Newcomb service station, fast food restaurant and car wash.

The new complex was planned for the corner of the Bellarine Highway and Coppards Road, at an intersection that already has one service station opposite and two other shopping centres at its other corners.

But this block is presently in a low-density residential zone and includes a house.

Councillors feared allowing a high-intensity retail development would impact quality of living of nearby Newcomb residents.

“My concern is that we need to maintain orderly development,” Cr Mason said.

“People have an expectation that they’re living with a certain amenity and certain character, and that character is … a low-density zone.

“People have the right to live in a peaceful existence.”

Councillors Mansfield, Moloney and Sullivan backed Cr Mason’s alternate motion, while councillors Murrihy and Nelson were in support.