Portarlington townhouse plan seeks approval

A PORTARLINGTON house block would be developed with six townhouses under plans being considered by the City of Greater Geelong.

Proponents have submitted a $2.1 million proposal to build the medium density dwellings at 37 Willis Street – just two blocks south of the town’s main Newcombe Street stretch.

It includes four double-storey buildings – two of two bedrooms and two of three bedrooms – and two triple-storey buildings with four bedrooms.

The double block also fronts Stevens Street to the north. It has an existing single storey house that would be retained in a subdivision of the site.

Proponents say the build would mirror the neighbouring 48 Stevens Street and matches the the predominant development trend in the vicinity that sees buildings grouped in pairs.

Planning documents argue that the proposal is in an appropriate location for infill development to help meet housing needs for Portarlington as its town boundaries become enshrined in state law from the Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) planning policy.

The application also said built form would match the existing character of the area.

“The architectural style of the proposal is contemporary coastal, using familiar, low maintenance, coastal materials, and carefully articulated forms, in keeping with the scale of the surrounding development.

“Setbacks between the ground and first-floor building forms and full height glazing have been employed to create a visual separation and reduce bulk.”

COGG is advertising the plans for public submissions until June 14.