The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has given the go-ahead for a three-storey development in Yarraville despite strong community and council opposition.
The $5 million development for 83 Gamon Street went before VCAT in June after being knocked back by Maribyrnong council in December.
Real Property Investors’ plans to build 17 units, a shop and café in a mixed-use zone with a heritage overlay attracted 51 objections.
Council knocked it back on a range of grounds, including inappropriate design, failure to satisfy neighbourhood character, amenity impacts on adjoining residents, and height and scale failing to respect the area’s heritage significance.
Objectors also criticised poor amenity, overshadowing, visual bulk and lack of visitor parking.
But the developer argued the proposal met heritage requirements, the purpose of the mixed-use zone and reasonable amenity expectations of adjoining properties.
VCAT member Frank Dawson found significant changes had been made to the original plans, including increased setbacks, improved open spaces and solar access, and a reduction in building height from 11.02 metres to 9.65 metres.
He noted the concerns of Seddon Community Group secretary Pam Mulready that the proposal would “dwarf the streetscape” and destroy the public realm on Gamon Street.
“I can understand concern that the proposed development will introduce change into what is a well-established area,” he said. “I cannot, however, conclude that the proposal will destroy the public realm in Gamon Street.”
