A developer has applied to build a five storey apartment block in Altona after its previous plan for a seven storey building was rejected by Hobsons Bay council and the state’s planning tribunal.
Footscray-based Fremont Homes appealed the council’s rejection of its previous plans at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) but lost.
It had hoped to build what would have been Altona’s tallest residential building on the site of the old Boccelli restaurant at 118 Pier Street.
The council rejected the plans saying it was out of character with Altona’s village feel and described the VCAT decision as a big win for the community.
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Fremont has lodged new plans for a five storey building on the site, comprising 26 dwellings, two shops and 29 parking spaces.
It is seeking a reduction in the parking required under the planning scheme, with plans showing a shortfall of nine spaces.
It is also seeking a waiver of loading and unloading requirements.
Its rejected plan was for 31 dwellings over five storeys, ground floor retail premises, 26 apartment stores on a mezzanine level, and 33 parking spaces.
VCAT presiding member Geoffrey Code and member Chris Harty had said most problems associated with the proposal could be overcome if one residential level was removed.
They said council approval of two five-storey developments nearby had not justified Fremont’s seven-storey proposal on a lot measuring just 20.1 metres wide.
