Planning Minister calls in five-storey Portarlington development

VICTORIA’S Planning Minister has intervened in the consideration of a proposed five-storey development in Portarlington, calling in the planning application on Tuesday this week.

The building, to be located on Portarlington’s main street, would include 13 apartments, two shops and a basement car park, with the slope of the land creating the appearance of a three-storey building from Newcombe Street, and five storeys from the foreshore.

The proposal has been opposed by some in the Portarlington community, and the City of Greater Geelong’s Planning Committee recommended in late May to refuse a planning permit for the 49 Newcombe Street development.

At the time, Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher referenced the proposal’s impact on neighbouring buildings.

“The incongruous nature of the modern building next to a heritage-listed post office, the height on such a gentle slope and the bulk of the building are contrary to the low scale character of the township,” she said.

The applicant then decided to take the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with a compulsory conference held on June 23 ahead of the case hearing, which was to take place between August 30 and September 3.

On Tuesday this week, Planning Minister Richard Wynne called in the development at the request of a representative of the Portarlington Community Association.

The Planning Minister has the power to call in planning appeals at VCAT where the minister considers that the proceeding raises a major issue of policy and that the determination of the proceeding may have a substantial effect on the achievement or development of planning objectives.

Member for Western Victoria and Bellarine duty MP Gayle Tierney welcomed Mr Wynne’s decision and said many Portarlington locals had raised their concerns and objections with her.

“Community opposition focused on over-development of the main street site that would significantly block bay views and detract from the historic character of the town,” she said.

“And as a local myself, I strongly share those concerns.”

She also acknowledged the work of Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, who is on leave.

“Lisa has strongly opposed this development from outset and has made her concerns known very clear, both publicly and importantly to the Planning Minister,” Ms Tierney said.

Ms Tierney said she believed now Mr Wynne had “called in” the planning permit, his next steps would be to appoint an advisory committee to consider all submissions that have previously been made, conduct a hearing of the parties, and then give advice to the Planning Minister for his determination.