Plans set for VCAT

Residents vow to fight

GROVEDALE residents have vowed to take amended plans for seven two-storey townhouses on a residential block to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after the City of Greater Geelong this week approved the plans.

Clementine Court resident Joel Nairns, whose house backs on to the block, said residents had vehemently opposed the development since it was first mooted late last year.

The Reserve Rd planning application was passed at Thursday’s development hearing panel, following a positive recommendation by council officers.

The development is on a 1759sq m vacant block that previously had one home on it. Planning documents state the houses will have a maximum height of seven metres and will be constructed from brick and weatherboard with Colorbond roofing.

Mr Nairns said he and other opposing residents were fearful the development would encourage other developers to build large multi-storey dwellings in Grovedale, as well as leading to increased congestion and compromised safety.

But, in written documents seen by the Geelong Advertiser, architect Tony Preiato said the applicant had responded to all recommendations and had redesigned aspects of the units to reduce the impact of the twostorey build on nearby residents.

City of Greater Geelong planning and development director Gareth Smith confirmed the council had decided to support the application for seven dwellings and a sevenlot subdivision on the basis that it adequately responded to the requirements of the Greater Geelong planning scheme.

“Seven submissions were received objecting to the proposal, including a petition,” Mr Smith said. “Objectors have a right of review to VCAT.”