Developers lodge plans to bulldoze Ocean Grove home and build four triple-storey townhouses

A plan to build four lavish triple-storey townhouses in Ocean Grove has been put before council, as a policy encouraged higher density development in the area.

A council policy encouraging higher density development in Ocean Grove has prompted a multimillion-dollar plan to bulldoze a house and build four triple-storey townhouses in its place.

A planning application lodged with the City of Greater Geelong has revealed the plan to knock down a house on The Ave in the heart of suburban Ocean Grove and build the up-market townhouses on the 849sq m block.

Artist's impressions of the Ocean Grove proposal

The lavish $3m plans would see each townhouse include a plunge pool, lift, balcony decks and four bedrooms. One of the townhouses will also include a larger pool and rooftop terrace.

Planning documents note the “contemporary design” of the planned townhouses, and argue the development responds to a city push for infill housing in the popular coastal suburb.

“Council policy directs increased housing diversity and higher density built forms to particular activity centres within the municipality and this site is located within such a locality, identified as the ‘Ocean Grove Increased Housing Diversity Area’,” the planning documents noted.

“The design outcome is a high quality architectural form that is supported by similarly high quality landscape design by a well-respected local landscape architect.

Artist's impressions of the Ocean Grove proposal

“There are obvious signs of change in the Increased Housing Diversity Area with new development becoming more evident. The change that is occurring is a result of Councils policy for higher density development and building forms, and as such two and three storey dwellings are becoming more commonly found. The character of the area is also evolving as a result of this change, with more contemporary architecture also evident.

“The proposal is consistent with planning policy and provides for new housing of an increased density in a location in close proximity to jobs, shops, services and recreational opportunities and this built form will assist to consolidate the defined growth areas and therefore reduce pressure for fringe development beyond town boundaries.”

The planning application will remain open for public comment until September 30.

Originally published as Developers lodge plans to bulldoze Ocean Grove home and build four triple-storey townhouses