VCAT win for $10m Heads proposal

PLANS to build six apartments above Barwon Heads’ only supermarket have been given the green light by the state’s planning tribunal, despite concerns from residents.

The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal has granted a permit for developers to add six two-storey apartments to the single-storey IGA supermarket at Bridge Road.

The $10m proposal includes construction of a 20-space basement carpark.

Plans for the expansion of the IGA and four dwellings was initially approved by the City of Greater Geelong in 2017.

But developer Cowley Holdings Pty Ltd later modified the design to vary the supermarket expansion and develop two more apartments, taking the total to six.

Last year, the council issued a notice of decision to grant an amended permit for the approved development, subject to 34 conditions.

It said the expansion would deliver a net community benefit by providing access to vital goods, employment and investment in the coastal town.

But the matter was taken to VCAT after neighbours lodged an application to review the council decision.

They argued the proposal would cause a 58 per cent increase in demand to the “already congested” parking supply in the town centre.

Neighbours feared customers would not use the basement carpark due to its “constrained” layout.

But VCAT member Jane Tait was “satisfied” the proposal was an improvement.

“It cannot be reasonably suggested that the modest provision of essential core retail should be prevented on carparking or traffic grounds,” Ms Tait said.

She said the carpark would provide “convenient access” for supermarket customers.