A Williamstown resident has lost his bid to preserve his city skyline views after the state’s planning tribunal ruled views in the area are not protected.
Two objectors appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to reverse Hobsons Bay council’s decision to grant a permit for a double-storey addition to a house on the east side of Federal Street.
One objector, the owner of a double- storey house opposite, argued that he would lose his city views.
The tribunal heard the proposed second-storey addition would sit in line with the view from his first-floor balcony and living room.
Views not considered amenity
VCAT senior member Jeanette Richards agreed that he would lose some of the view he currently enjoys.
“However, under the Hobsons Bay planning scheme, views in this location are not protected, or form part of the consideration, as to the impact on the amenity of the neighbourhood,” she said.
“The view [he] currently obtains is fortuitous and, whilst it is enjoyable, it is not considered sufficient to warrant refusal of the permit application. I expect … there will still be some ability to enjoy a portion of the city skyline.”
The other objector raised concerns about overlooking, and VCAT made some amendments to the plans.
