The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has approved a controversial three-storey development for the former Newport timber yard site, stating the community had become “wearied and worn down” fighting the development for the third time.
The tribunal approved the development for 6 Paine Street, with a reduction in the number of townhouses from 43 to 39.
It was the third application since 2010 by Domain Hill Property Group. Domain managing director Peter Cahill said: “We’re fielding calls from buyers already so there’s definitely strong demand in the neighbourhood for quality townhouses.”
More than 260 residents, who started a Protect Newport action group, objected to the development.
In 2011, VCAT refused Domain’s application to build 40 dwellings at the site. In 2012, the tribunal refused a second application for 42 dwellings.
In its latest decision, VCAT presiding member Michael Deidun and member Ann Keddie said the developer had worn people down.
“As verbally expressed by the residents and probably also felt by the other parties, they have become wearied and worn down by what is now nearly four years of almost continuous planning permit applications, tribunal proceedings and planning disputes over this parcel of land.
“We feel it would be a positive outcome if this proceeding resulted in a permit being granted, and thus bring an end to this dispute.”
Resident Nik Bebic said it was “a very sad day indeed when a decision by council, which represents all of us, is set aside to grant this blatant opportunity to exploit the urban consolidation theme, which has been thrust upon us all by this greedy state government.
“Yes, I am weary, but not for the reasons VCAT gives in their decision. I am weary because, once again, the powerless have been trampled on by the powerful.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said that while the decision was disappointing, the development had been scaled back and several concerns about scale, bulk and density had been addressed.
