Apartment proposed atop Esplanade businesses

THE Surf Coast Shire council is considering a proposal to build a one-storey apartment on top of two businesses in Torquay.

The original application for the construction of a dwelling above 7.5 metres at 17 The Esplanade was lodged in July 2020, but was only advertised in late March of this year.

The $600,000 proposal, to be located above the existing Bob Sugar and Frenchy’s outlets, would create a single-width garage, bathroom and lift on the ground floor. The first floor would have a family room, bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, a small study/second bedroom, open plan kitchen/living room, and outdoor terrace.

Simcox Planning lodged the application for a planning permit on behalf of site owner Geoffrey French.

In their planning report, Simcox Planning states the proposal will deliver an increase in housing density within the area designated for urban consolidation in Torquay consistent with planning policy within the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.

“While the zone does not trigger a permit for the development, it is clear that the provision of housing in the zone is appropriate and encouraged.”

It notes the application is consistent with the Torquay Jan Juc Residential Development and Neighbourhood Character Policy because:

It proposes a contemporary architectural response, with lightweight cladding and glazing to the street facades, an openness at the first floor resulting from the proposed setback of the building from the ground floor facade and the use of balconies to the north and east

It has simple detailing with clean finishes and colours that reflect the existing building tones while similarly reflecting contemporary finishes of dwellings constructed elsewhere in Torquay

The building is articulated, with various setbacks proposed to the Price Street facade to create visual interest, and

The garage is proposed to be cut into an existing wall on the boundary, while the garage door is recessed and this provides more interest and reduces the flat facade of the existing single-storey structure.

The building’s maximum height would be 7.82 metres above natural ground level, higher than the permitted 7.5 metres, but the application notes this is limited to the building’s southern end due to the slope of the roof and “the variation is so minimal that there is no visual bulk resulting, nor is view sharing an issue”.

The council will not make its decision on the application until at least April 15.

To view the planning documents, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au.