Panel considers Port development

PLANNING Panels Victoria has considering a controversial planning application for a multi-level apartment development in Portarlington this week.

The planning application is for a multi-level building at 49 Newcombe Street with two shops, 13 apartments and a basement carpark.

The City of Greater Geelong received 125 objections and eight letters of support during the application’s exhibition and consultation process.

Objections received were based on the overall height of the development which objectors considered was conflicting with the existing character of the township; would impact important views within the township; and impact the adjoining kindergarten and heritage building.

Objectors were also concerned about a reduction of existing parking; traffic and pedestrian safety; location of waste disposal; the precedent it would set; impact during construction; impacts on the town’s tourism industry; business competition; and property devaluation.

The applicant, who proposed that the development would benefit the community through increased tourism and commercial opportunities, while helping to alleviate parking pressure in the main street, appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The council decided at its May planning meeting to advise Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that the council would have recommended to refuse a planning permit.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne advised the city in June that he had called-in the application and had appointed an advisory committee to determine the application.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the hearing was held online and a number of local submitters participated over Zoom, with the hearing expected to be finish on Thursday, September 2.