Council’s Planning Committee has granted a Notice of Decision for a planning
application to develop and subdivide 10 apartments at 34 Barrabool Road,
Highton, subject to the approved conditions.
The land, at 993.7 square metres, is a larger than
average site for the area and currently houses a single storey detached
mid-20th century dwelling.
The site is within the Highton Shopping Centre
Increased Housing Diversity Area, and conveniently located close to Highton
Village.
The application proposes construction of a
three-storey apartment building with a four-metre setback, a basement carpark
and a communal outdoor area at the rear.
During public notice, the City received eight formal
and two informal objections, and one submission of support.
The building has been re-designed to address the
City’s concerns of overshadowing.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The updated application
features a considered design response that contributes to housing diversity in
an area earmarked for increased density, diversity and choice.
The proposal satisfies the requirements of the
Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
It is conveniently located within walking and cycling
distance to Highton Village and other nearby services and facilities.
The Planning Committee also rejected an application to
develop a three-storey office, shop and café at 26 Hicks Street in Lara,
opposite the Lara Train Station.
The proposal to use the 882 square metre site for a
shop and reduce the car parking requirement triggered the need for a permit.
The application proposed a building reaching 11.6 metres high, internally
illuminated signage and an underground carpark, with a reduction of 13 standard
car parks.
The application was on public notice three times
throughout the application process, receiving two letters of support and 125
objections.
Mayor Sullivan
The proposal is inconsistent with
the neighbourhood character and amenity of the area.
The application also failed to meet car parking
requirements.
The community
can attend Planning Committee meetings at City Hall or view the livestream.