RESIDENTS UNITE TO FIGHT BELLARINE APARTMENTS PLAN:
$7m development sparks community concern
MORE than 100 residents have objected to plans to build a five-level apartment block on Portarlington’s waterfront.
It comes after a planning application was lodged with City of Greater Geelong for the $7m development at Newcombe Street late last year.
The complex would see 13 apartments and two retail spaces replace a small building next to the historic former post office, and have direct views over the Portarlington Pier and bay.
The City of Greater Geelong has received 121 objections against the proposal, and six letters of support, with concerns including the height and location of the development.
A public meeting held by Portarlington Community Association (PCA) on Wednesday saw about 130 people attend, including representatives of local MPs Lisa Neville and Libby Coker.
PCA president Geoff Fary described it as one of the town’s largest public meetings in recent years.
He said the “sensitive” location of the development would block out views from the town centre towards the bay.
“It’s the PCA’s and general sentiment of the town that we are not opposed to a multi-unit development; we recognise there is pressure on Portarlington to grow,” Mr Fary said.
“But we believe this particular development, located on the north side of the main street, which was once private parkland, is inappropriately sited.
“You look at other coastal towns like Torquay and Lorne and a feature they have is no buildings that block out the view of the sea from the town.”
Mr Fary said PCA was calling on the council and state government to explore avenues for the reacquisition of the land as part of a project to reinstate it as an open space with bay views.
Plans show the building will have a maximum height of 14.3m, with three storeys visible from Newcombe Street, but spread across five levels at the rear of the sloping site.
Ms Neville said she would provide “strong support” to the community in opposing the development.
“As such, I will be ensuring that both the City of Greater Geelong and the Minister for Planning are well aware of my views and those of the community,” Ms Neville said.
“In line with the state government’s distinctive area landscape declaration for the Bellarine, it is important that any future development does not inappropriately impact on a town’s character or ambience, which I believe this proposed development does.”
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Ms Coker said she also stood with the community in opposing the building, and intends to consult further with residents next week.
Although public feedback on the application closed on December 29, submissions can continue to be received by the council until a final decision is made.
The proposal will be presented to a planning committee meeting on a date yet to be finalised, thecouncil said.