Anglesea motel development sparks backlash

PUBLIC feedback to a proposed redevelopment of an Anglesea motel into a three-storey apartment complex has been overwhelmingly negative, with objectors saying the new building will ruin not only their view but also the town’s character.

The Surf Coast Shire held a hearing of submissions meeting at the council chambers last month for the planning application for 109 Great Ocean Road, which will see the Anglesea Motor Inn demolished and replaced by a complex valued at up to $5 million containing 21 apartments as well as two shops on the ground floor.

The application drew 25 submissions, 22 of which were objecting. Of the objectors, nine spoke at the hearing of submissions meeting, including Liz Hines, who said she was speaking on behalf of more than 40 others and that the proposal did not fit in with the “beachside character” of Anglesea.

“This is not (a location for) an inner Melbourne high density residential development; this is not Collingwood,” she said.

Several objectors also took issue with the application being accepted in the first place, to which shire mayor Rose Hodge said “we cannot say ‘go away’; we have to go through the process”.

“The officers can give advice (to applicants) and talk until they turn blue, and sometimes they do.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, NovoPlanning director of town planning and strategic advice Kirsten Kilpatrick said the applicant had requested the council to defer its decision on the application as it had not yet received hard copies of all the objections.

“We really need to take some time to consider the issues that have been raised by the objectors, and that’s really important to us.

“We’ve really taken the time tonight to listen to the commentary in relation to the matters that have been discussed and we’re very much open to making changes to the plans in relation to the proposals.”