HOBSONS Bay City Council’s decision to refuse a four-storey apartment block in Queen St, Altona, has been upheld at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Hobsons Bay Mayor Councillor Tony Briffa said the decision was significant for Altona.
“I am extremely happy VCAT agreed with the council to reject an application for a four-storey apartment building over a basement, including 30 dwellings and 33 car parking spaces in Altona,” Cr Briffa said.
“This win was extremely important for Altona, and the whole of Hobsons Bay for that matter, in the context of being able to encourage higher density development into appropriate areas.
“The council did a great job of defending its decision to oppose this development, as did the local residents who worked hard to ensure this development did not go ahead. I commend all involved.”
The VCAT member found apartment buildings of three and four storeys are becoming commonplace in major activity centres, however these developments should be located within the commercial core.
Neighbourhood character, setbacks, overlooking and a high water table in Altona were also behind the decision to refuse a planning permit.
The VCAT member did not consider the development to “be a good fit, or set the right directions for this area” but added that a “more tempered building is needed”.
“This is a great outcome for our community,” Cr Briffa said.
“I have no doubt if this application was approved, it would have resulted in many more high-density, high-rise buildings outside the Pier Street Activity Centre.
“The failure of this application now establishes a precedent that the area outside the activity centre should not be used for such inappropriate developments.”
