VCAT gives Barwon Heads apartment complex green light

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) has given a three-storey apartment complex in Barwon Heads the go-ahead.

Developers Barwon Heads Pty Ltd and Shaloe Pty Ltd lodged amended plans to build apartments at 1 Flinders Parade (across the road from the pub) with VCAT in June after the City of Greater Geelong recommended the original plans be rejected.

The city’s director of planning and development Joanne Van Slageren said the council had remained consistent in its position on the permit application.

“Our Development Hearings Panel determined not to support the application due to concerns about the impact on the town’s character and the heritage building on the corner of Bridge Road and Flinders Parade.

“The city’s officers presented a case to VCAT that the proponent’s amended plans, while a step in the right direction, did not go far enough to enhance, protect and maintain the neighbourhood character of Barwon Heads.

“It was submitted that the proposal does not have enough respect for the Flinders Parade Heritage Area, again due to the intensity and scale of the development in what council submits is one of the most important ‘gateway’ sites in the Barwon Heads township.”