Esplanade apartment proposal heads to VCAT

THE developers behind a planned apartment complex on the Torquay waterfront are unhappy with the Surf Coast Shire’s handling of the matter, and have escalated the issue to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Liuzzi Property Group’s permit for the construction of 48 residential apartments and 72 underground car parks at 86-92 The Esplanade was publicly exhibited by the shire in April.

In this newspaper in May, principal architect George Kouskouras said the project would be a “great opportunity for people to be able to live on The Esplanade in a more affordable way, offering this sought-after position not only to a select few as would be with four blocks, but 48 opportunities to live a beachfront lifestyle”.

“We have ensured the front setbacks to The Esplanade reflect the existing situation either side of this development, and that the articulation to the front façade complements the coastal streetscape character of this area.”

However, all 70 of the submissions the shire received were against the development, on grounds including height, scale, bulk/design, landscaping/site coverage and neighbourhood character.

Some of the objectors spoke at the council’s hearing of submissions meeting held earlier this month.

The council has yet to decide its position on the permit, and on behalf of Liuzzi Property Group, G2 Urban Planning recently lodged an appeal with VCAT to review the permit based on the council’s “failure to determine the application within the prescribed time”.

According to a letter sent by G2 Urban Planning to interested parties, a practice day hearing for the case has been set for July 27, followed by a compulsory conference on September 14 and a hearing on October 31.