Height limits remain in final South Geelong UDF

A LAST-DITCH plan to lower building heights at a contentious area of a proposed South Geelong planning scheme has failed, with the council proceeding with a framework suggested by officers.

The City of Greater Geelong will submit its South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF) for state government approval following a vote at September’s council meeting.

The approved plan is largely unchanged from a final draft presented earlier this year, which had brought down proposed building heights for the former Barwon Water site at Carr Street from 10 storeys down to six.

The UDF identified the Barwon Water site as a potential location for high-density development due to its proximity to South Geelong rail station, which is soon due for a redevelopment as part of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication Project.Cr Sarah Mansfield had sought at last week’s meeting to bring down a height limit for the site further to four storeys, in response to community complaints about the impact of that height on neighbouring properties.

“Reducing the heights to four storeys at the Barwon Water site reflects what the community feedback that we have consistently received,” Cr Mansfield said.

“At the planning scheme amendment phase it ensures this community voice is heard there.

“There is still opportunities for other stakeholders to make the case for higher [development], if they want, but this stacks [the process] in favour of the community voice a bit more, so the onus isn’t on them to prove why it should come down.”

Cr Mansfield also pointed to market research that indicated a preference in the Geelong market for townhouse-style properties instead of apartments, meaning high-rise development would not be necessary at the in-fill site.

But her call failed to attract majority support from councillors, who sided with the need for the city to provide more affordable housing options for the city.

“We have a responsibility to present a diversity of affordable housing,” Cr Peter Murrihy said.

“Six storeys… would complement the South Geelong railway station.”

A suggestion from Cr Mansfield to have greater community consultation for future steps of the UDF process did receive council support.

Officers indicated the consultation requirement would have minimal impact on the planning process, with current frameworks already requiring the city to notify residents of important changes – but said it sent “a good message” to the community.

The City of Greater Geelong said it would ask for an interim heritage overlay for identified properties in the UDF and continue advocating the state government for a South Geelong rail station forecourt upgrade, shared paths and multi-storey station carpark as part of its advocacy.