Belmont project expands
Third storey plan
A DEVELOPER is moving to add another storey to a major apartment development in Belmont.
Cahir Investments already has Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approval to build a two-storey 17unit apartment block.
Now Cahir Investments has submitted plans to the City of Greater Geelong for a third storey and two extra units at the High St development.
Eight units will be demolished at the site to make way for the project.
In July, 2018, Cahir Investments sought a permit for its project from VCAT after the Geelong council failed to make a decision on its application within the statutory time of 60 days.
The city advised VCAT it would have refused the application on several grounds, with particular concern about the design’s response to the neighbourhood character and a lack of private open space for each unit.
In its latest application to the council, a planning report from the developers says: “The application seeks to retain the existing approved building footprint and landscape design, incorporating a new lift to provide more convenient access to every level, two additional dwellings, additional bin storage and additional apartment storage in the basement for the two additional dwellings.
“The waiving of two visitor carparking spaces is necessary to accommodate all resident parking in the basement.
“VCAT have previously determined that the site is ideally located for an infill development and an apartment style complex, acknowledging that the SPOS requirements of Schedule 2 to the GRZ does not prohibit an apartment style dwelling, nor was the zone intended to do so.
“The amended plan reflects a reasonably minor amendment, albeit at the third level, however the approved setbacks and building siting is not proposed to be altered.
“No increased shadow or overlooking occurs as a result of the proposed change.”
Public feedback on the proposal closes on April 2.