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<\/p>\nDEVELOPERS have returned with plans to convert a large Highton property into a townhouse project.<\/p>\n
Plans lodged with the City of Greater Geelong would build 19 new homes at 2 Morven Court, Highton.<\/p>\n
The block is a 9,361sqm site just off South Valley and south of Highton Reserve that currently has one house at its north-western corner.<\/p>\n
Residences would range from three to five bedrooms in single and double-storey buildings across the site.<\/p>\n
Proponents say the proposal meets Geelong’s objective for infill development in existing suburbs with access to services.<\/p>\n
“The proposal represents a significant urban infill opportunity, given the Site’s unique size, location and proximity to established services,” planning documents stated.<\/p>\n
“The subdivision and development of the Site facilitated by this application will contribute towards meeting the density and sustainability targets within the City of Greater Geelong, whilst also providing a respectful response to established residential interfaces.”<\/p>\n
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The $10-million plan would also include extension of Morven Court to service the new homes and removal of native vegetation.<\/p>\n
The planning proposal aims to remove most existing trees from the well-vegetated site, except for protected areas at the far edges of the property.<\/p>\n
The proposal is scaled back from an earlier plan for 27 townhouses that drew objections in 2021.<\/p>\n
COGG had refused to grant a permit earlier that year but proponents took the plan to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.<\/p>\n
The proposal had drawn 108 objections during exhibition and prompted a community petition in opposition and a crowdfunding campaign for a legal challenge.<\/p>\n
Opponents had objected to the clearing of trees at the site and feared it could set a precedent for more dense development in Highton and surrounding suburbs.<\/p>\n
The property last sold for $3 million in December 2019, ahead of the planning process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DEVELOPERS have returned with plans to convert a large Highton property into a townhouse project. Plans lodged with the City of Greater Geelong would build 19 new homes at 2 Morven Court, Highton. The block is a 9,361sqm site just off South Valley and south of Highton Reserve that currently has one house at its […]<\/p>\n