Townhouse plan for Torquay site

A PLAN to convert an old Torquay block into eight double-storey townhouses is now open for public comment.

The Surf Coast Shire is advertising a developer’s $3.5 million proposal to build the four-bedroom residences at the site of a single-storey house at 45-47 Zeally Bay Road.

The existing four-bedroom house on the block last changed hands in June 2021 for a reported sum of $3.3 million.

New plans would include two off-street parks for each of the new residences and a shared driveway, with some existing vegetation to be removed to make way for the development.

The driveway would include “substantial” garden beds, while front fences would be built with materials that “speaks to the historical built context and creating a sense of permeability”.

Planners argue the plan is in keeping with its surrounding area, indicating that many properties on the north side of Zeally Bay Road “contain multiple townhouses or attached units of up to four residences”.

“A diverse architecture has evolved over time as beach shacks have been replaced by contemporary development taking advantage of the generous lot sizes to create multiple houses and subdivisions,” planning documents stated.

“Only a few beach shacks remain as the township character has evolved from holiday homes to more permanent occupancy.

“The design seeks to consolidate a generous plot of land, increasing the housing yield in a locality where well considered, medium density development is encouraged and will have no adverse impact on the livability and sustainability of this neighbourhood.”

Meanwhile, a separate development plan has also been lodged this month for 72 Zeally Bay Road – which is also presently a single-storey house – to build four three-storey dwellings on the block.

Surf Coast Shire is assessing the $2-million plan and has not yet advertised it for public exhibition.