“THIS is the right building in the right place,” Cr David Rooks said as councillors unanimously approved a three-storey mixed commercial and residential development at 150 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
The site currently houses a small surf shop and former retro shop and shed. They will be demolished and replaced by ground floor retail space and 22 apartments over two levels (15 two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom) and a rooftop garden for tenants.
The officers’ report noted the redevelopment of an existing commercial site within Cowes was encouraged by planning policies, in particular directing apartment style development within the main commercial precinct.
The site currently houses a small surf shop and former retro shop and shed. They will be demolished and replaced by ground floor retail space and 22 apartments over two levels (15 two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom) and a rooftop garden for tenants.
The officers’ report noted the redevelopment of an existing commercial site within Cowes was encouraged by planning policies, in particular directing apartment style development within the main commercial precinct.
Unusually, the development proposal did not draw a single objection.
“The developer has done the right thing with setbacks to reduce a bulky look,” Cr Rooks said. “It’s close to town so the residents can walk or cycle into town.”
Cr Ron Bauer acknowledged “a very neat package and an asset for our island” but said the council should be wary of “height creep”.
“This application is for three storeys plus a roof deck. It’s the second development on Phillip Island pushing the boundaries of three levels. If we don’t put our foot down developers will push the boundary further.
“If we allow this, before we know it we’ll have four storeys with a roof garden.”
Cr Leticia Laing reminded her colleague that no objections were received.
“It’s in a very well developed area and it doesn’t seem logical to reject it.”
Despite his reservations, Cr Bauer voted to support the proposal, making it unanimous.
“The developer has done the right thing with setbacks to reduce a bulky look,” Cr Rooks said. “It’s close to town so the residents can walk or cycle into town.”
Cr Ron Bauer acknowledged “a very neat package and an asset for our island” but said the council should be wary of “height creep”.
“This application is for three storeys plus a roof deck. It’s the second development on Phillip Island pushing the boundaries of three levels. If we don’t put our foot down developers will push the boundary further.
“If we allow this, before we know it we’ll have four storeys with a roof garden.”
Cr Leticia Laing reminded her colleague that no objections were received.
“It’s in a very well developed area and it doesn’t seem logical to reject it.”
Despite his reservations, Cr Bauer voted to support the proposal, making it unanimous.
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Two other proposed developments were speedily dispatched by councillors according to the council officers’ recommendations.
Councillors gave the thumbs down to Toorak Park Estate, a proposed 282-lot estate on the corner of Bass Highway and Ullathornes Road, Inverloch.
A council officers’ report noted the site represents critical land supply for the town which will help to improve housing affordability and meet the council’s obligations to provide sufficient land supply to meet demand under the Victorian Planning Provisions.
However they were concerned that inadequate consideration of several issues – principally traffic management at the intersection and stormwater management – could create legacy issues for both the council and future residents of the estate and surrounding areas.
The developer proposes 282 residential lots starting from 228 m2 and with an average size of 480m2.
The council received 18 submissions, with most relating to traffic increases on Ullathornes Road, the need for an additional access point to Ullathornes Road and concerns over drainage run-off and the lack of park facilities proposed.
The Department of Transport has stated it would not support additional access roads to the Bass Highway.
Council planning officers were attempting to work through the issues with the developer when the application was referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
As part of the VCAT process, the council was required to state whether it would have supported the proposal. Council officers recommended refusal in light of the outstanding issues. Councillors voted unanimously to follow the recommendation.
Cr Leticia said there would be about 6000 traffic movements a day through the intersection of the Bass Highway and Ullathorne Road when the development was completed.
“While we have a housing shortage we can’t just jump on every development and support it with issues unresolved.” She noted that council had attempted to collaborate with the developer.
Councillors gave the thumbs down to Toorak Park Estate, a proposed 282-lot estate on the corner of Bass Highway and Ullathornes Road, Inverloch.
A council officers’ report noted the site represents critical land supply for the town which will help to improve housing affordability and meet the council’s obligations to provide sufficient land supply to meet demand under the Victorian Planning Provisions.
However they were concerned that inadequate consideration of several issues – principally traffic management at the intersection and stormwater management – could create legacy issues for both the council and future residents of the estate and surrounding areas.
The developer proposes 282 residential lots starting from 228 m2 and with an average size of 480m2.
The council received 18 submissions, with most relating to traffic increases on Ullathornes Road, the need for an additional access point to Ullathornes Road and concerns over drainage run-off and the lack of park facilities proposed.
The Department of Transport has stated it would not support additional access roads to the Bass Highway.
Council planning officers were attempting to work through the issues with the developer when the application was referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
As part of the VCAT process, the council was required to state whether it would have supported the proposal. Council officers recommended refusal in light of the outstanding issues. Councillors voted unanimously to follow the recommendation.
Cr Leticia said there would be about 6000 traffic movements a day through the intersection of the Bass Highway and Ullathorne Road when the development was completed.
“While we have a housing shortage we can’t just jump on every development and support it with issues unresolved.” She noted that council had attempted to collaborate with the developer.
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An application for a house site in Brick Kiln Lane, Corinella, was rejected because of its proximity to RAMSAR listed wetlands in Western Port.
Part of the property, including the proposed house site, is covered by an Environmental Significance Overlay. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning noted the development could create noise and light pollution which could disrupt local wildlife.
As the overlay only applies to a portion of the site, planning officers considered the house site could easily be relocated outside the buffer zone.
Part of the property, including the proposed house site, is covered by an Environmental Significance Overlay. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning noted the development could create noise and light pollution which could disrupt local wildlife.
As the overlay only applies to a portion of the site, planning officers considered the house site could easily be relocated outside the buffer zone.