Surf Coast Shire set to knock back Torquay development plans
THE Surf Coast Shire looks set to knock back plans for a massive apartment complex on Torquay’s foreshore.
The council will tomorrow receive a report recommending it refuse an application to construct 48 apartments across four land parcels just 1km out of the town centre, at 86-92 The Esplanade.
Councillors will vote on their position despite the applicant having already lodged an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT), after the council took longer than 60 days to determine the application.
Public notification of the proposed project resulted in council receiving 71 objections.
“The key issues relate to onsite and off-site amenity and neighbourhood character including height, spacing and siting, setbacks, massing and form, site coverage, landscaping and fencing,” the council report noted.
The council recommendation to refuse the application for the project noted a series of reasons.
“In summary, it is considered that the proposal does not achieve an appropriate neighbourhood character outcome that reflects the relevant planning scheme requirements and objectives,” the report stated.
“It also fails to protect the amenity of adjoining and nearby property owners and provide a reasonable standard of amenity for future occupants of the development.”
“Other relevant matters are those relating to off-site amenity including overshadowing and overlooking and on-site amenity like noise attenuation, shadowing and open space, ventilation and accessibility.
“It is recommended that Council decide to pursue refusal of the application at the upcoming VCAT hearing.”