Waterfront apartment plans sunk

A PROPOSED multi-storey apartment building at Portarlington’s waterfront has been rejected by state planning authorities, in a decision touted as a win for the local community.

State Planning Minister Richard Wynne blocked plans following a recommendation from an independent panel to refuse a permit for the development at 49 Newcombe Street, opposite Portarlington Pier.

The advisory committee found that the scale, design and location of the five-storey building was inappropriate, that it would negatively impact the area’s landscape when viewed from the foreshore and clash with the town’s existing character.

The scrapped plans were for 11 residential apartments, two retail premises and a basement carpark.

City of Greater Geelong voted against the proposal after it received 124 objections to plans earlier this year, which led to the matter’s referral to the planning panel.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville welcomed the decision, which she said vindicated the Portarlington community’s vocal opposition to the project.

“This is a positive outcome for Portarlington. It was very clear to me from the outset that this was the wrong location for a proposal of this scale and design,” she said.

“The local community were loud and clear in their opposition to this proposal, and following an independent committee process, they were proven correct.”