Sea views sacrificed as VCAT permits building

A COUNCIL decision blocking a three-storey beachside development has been overturned by the state’s planning tribunal.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision allows the owners of a Point Lonsdale property will to build a three-storey beachside house, despite neighbour concerns they will lose their “treasured view”.

Documents from the October 8 hearing show the tribunal “set aside” the City of Greater Geelong’s May decision to reject the Rhondella Court planning application as it did “not provide for the reasonable sharing of views” with neighbours.

Neighbours argued the proposed works — which would result in the building hitting a peak of 10.19m above ground level — would ruin their ocean views.

The neighbours argued their “treasured view to the east” was “‘tantamount’ to the enjoyment of their dwelling”, the VCAT documents noted. But, the applicant argued the proposal did not “adversely impact on the neighbourhood character and there is a reasonable sharing of views between properties”.

VCAT member Jane Tait overturned the council decision, with requirements for a change to the roof colour, demonstration a rooftop deck balustrade had non-reflective glazing, and for the applicant to submit amended plans to responsible authorities.

“I have decided to set aside council’s decision,” Ms Tait wrote.

“I find the proposed dwelling is in keeping with the character and appearance of this neighbourhood and there is a reasonable sharing of views to significant landscape features.”

The decision comes after the council’s 2018-19 annual report revealed VCAT overturned or altered more than a third of council’s planning decisions last financial year.