PLANS for a four-storey apartment block at the corner of Queen and Davies streets in Altona have been rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
VCAT upheld Hobson Bay Council’s decision to refuse an application from Garden City Altona for a 30-dwelling complex with 33 car spaces, saying it was too far from Pier Street.
Meanwhile, more than 300 people have signed a petition calling on Planning Minister Matthew Guy to intervene in plans for a 42-dwelling four-storey apartment on the former Newport timber yard site.
More than 360 residents have objected to the proposal by Domain Hill Property Group.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, who who tabled the petition in parliament, said the proposal had twice been rejected by the council and was now going back to VCAT on appeal.
‘‘If Matthew Guy wants to ride in like a white knight and save this community, I’ll stand and applaud him,’’ Mr Noonan challenged.
“I could understand if it was on Mason Street in the middle of an activity centre, but right in the middle of a low-rise area, next to a park – it’s wrong.’’
Handing down his decision on the Altona development on Monday, VCAT member Geoffrey Rundell said three and four-storey apartment blocks were becoming common in major and neighbourhood activity centres across Melbourne.
‘‘This development would be one of the first multi-storey apartment buildings outside the Pier Street core area,’’ he stated in his ruling.
‘‘It is important that it be well executed and that it demonstrates that medium density development can be a positive addition to the locality.
‘‘It needs to address the particular conditions found in Altona, particularly the high water table.
‘‘It should demonstrate the urban design and landscape principles to be applied in subsequent developments.
‘‘I am not persuaded that this development would be a good fit, or set the right directions for this area. A more tempered building is needed.’’
