Divisive Highton apartment block approved

A BARRABOOL Road apartment building can go ahead after City of Greater Geelong councillors approved a planning permit in a split vote.

A three-storey building with a basement car park and nine apartments is set to be built at 16 Duggan Court, directly opposite Highton Reserve at the intersection of Barrabool Road following the council decision.

Councillors agreed with officers and proponents who argued the development was an appropriate response to a need for more diverse residential opportunities in existing Geelong suburbs, to mitigate impact of urban sprawl to accommodate the city’s booming population.

A total of 51 Geelong residents objected to the proposal during its public notice, primarily concerning impacts of increased population in the area, neighbourhood character and amenity outcomes and compliance with Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) requirements.

But officers recommended approving the project due to its proximity to services such as Highton Village shopping, open space, public transport, which meets its planning policies that facilitate further infill development.

“While we’re adjusting in Geelong to urban sprawl and infill, this is part of the puzzle to find this balance, and meet the needs of the community and those wishing to live In our area.

“If we don’t look at options like this, we continue the urban sprawl.”

Cr Peter Murrihy agreed, and said the plan fit the city’s planning policies.

“The real purpose of this zone… is to encourage diversity, encourage development and identify growth; it’s all about location,” he said.

Cr Jim Mason similarly supported the project’s aim to increase housing options within an identified Increased Housing Diversity Area near Highton’s key services.

Cr Ron Nelson objected to the development and cited neighbourhood character impacts of the three-storey development and increase in traffic along busy Barrabool Road as his main reservations.

“I support housing diversity, I just think nine developments on this block of land is too many.”

A vote to grant a planning permit passed 5-1, subject to a host of conditions implemented by COGG.