RESIDENTS objecting to a proposed four-storey, 80-dwelling apartment complex say it will mark the end of Altona Meadows as they know it.
The Noordenne Family Group (NFG) wants to build a “landmark” building with residential dwellings, a gymnasium and underground car park at the corner of Queen and Merton streets.
Peter Jones said the multi-storey building was “abhorrent” to the neighbourhood character.
More than 50 people have signed a petition against the plans.
Lead petitioner Daniel Briffa says the building “does not fit the community”. The applicant is seeking permission to reduce the number of required car parks. Plans show semi-basement parking for 93 cars: 82 for residents and 11 for gymgoers.
A special planning committee meeting of Hobsons Bay Council had been expected to decide on the planning permit application last Thursday. But it was adjourned after the committee sought additional information relating to the council’s sale of the land to the Noordenne group.
Objector Scott Bach vowed to fight the proposal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, if necessary.
“The residents are very determined to make sure this does not go ahead in its current form and if a building permit was granted on this proposal then the community would be registering with VCAT to oppose it.”
Resident Mark Steele said the proposed complex, opposite Central Square shopping centre, would worsen traffic “chaos”.
“At peak hour, when you’re trying to pull out of that shopping centre, sometimes you’re sitting there for 10, 15 minutes, trying to get out on to Merton Street. Having the — I believe — 150 cars that this premises will bring is going to provide more chaos.” Graham Court resident Enrico Trentini, whose home backs on to the development site, said the proposed four-storey building would block his sunlight.
“I’m intending to put solar panels on my roof and this building is going to cast a major shadow on it,” he said. However, NFG managing director Brian Noordenne denied there would be overshadowing or any significant impact on surrounding residents or roads.
“The building is making an architectural statement on the main intersection in Altona Meadows that will enhance the area.”
