5-7 Brown St, Portarlington: Acoustic report ‘unnecessary’ say developers

City Hall gave the developers of a proposed multistorey Portarlington apartment complex homework. Here’s what they came back with.

An artist's depiction of the proposed mixed-use apartment complex at 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington. Picture: planning documents.

A proposed multistorey apartment complex in Portarlington, which would also feature commercial spaces, is back on the table after City Hall sent developers back to the drawing board.

The mixed-use proposal for 5-7 Brown St in the heart of the seaside hamlet would feature 31 residential apartments – one less than previously sought – and six commercial tenancies.

The developers are pushing for a four storey complex, with a communal terrace on the roof and basement carparking.

The application does not list an estimated price for the development.

According to planning documents prepared by urban planning firm Human Habitats, the proposal “will deliver a high-quality architectural response that is respectful of the surrounding area, and will be a positive addition to the streetscape”.

It’s submitted the project “will deliver employment opportunities for locals” and not cause any unreasonable traffic impacts.

An artist's depiction of the proposed mixed-use apartment complex at 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington. Picture: planning documents.

The site is situated just around the corner from the refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel.

City Hall had concerns with the developers’ previous application, with council officers requesting more information on 34 elements of the plan, including the design, waste management plan and an acoustic report.

The latter has become a sticking point, with developers digging their heels in and “respectfully” refusing the request in their response.

“It remains our view that an acoustic report is an unnecessary additional application requirement, and has therefore not been provided,” the developers said, arguing the application “consists of small ground floor tenancies and apartments”.

“Theses (sic) uses do not generate significant noise and are therefore not considered to result/ create any unreasonable noise impacts.”

An architectural diagram of the proposed development at 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington.

The application included a town planning report, arborist report, engineering assessment and sustainability and waste management plans.

Council officers also told the developers the plans were too tall – the area has a two-storey limit – but they might be considered if the development was restricted to three storeys, in light of recently granted permit for a $6.5m complex of luxury apartments next door at 9 Brown St.

The developers used the recent granting of that permit to argue its case; as it “demonstrates the emerging character of Brown St”.

The developers argued that a “focus on emerging character is equally as important as the existing character”.

The plans will be out for public consultation until February 22.

Originally published as 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington: Acoustic report ‘unnecessary’ say developers