Concerns proposed building will tower over Ivanhoe’s skyline

RESIDENTS fear a proposed apartment block of up to 10 storeys — and more than 10m taller than the suburb’s preferred height — will tower over Ivanhoe’s skyline and pave the way for similar developments.

Residents fear a proposed apartment building will dominate Ivanhoe’s skyline and set a precedent for other tall buildings. Robyn Roberts, Pippa Griffith, Julia Stafford, Helen Mavrokefalos (front) and Kristiana, 5. Picture: Josie Hayden

RESIDENTS fear a proposed apartment block of up to 10 storeys — and more than 10m taller than the preferred height for the area — will tower over Ivanhoe’s skyline and pave the way for similar developments.

Plans are before Banyule Council for a 28.8m tall mixed use development at 40 Upper Heidelberg Rd, a possible seven-storey building elevated over a two-storey open space.

In the Ivanhoe Structure Plan, the “preferred” maximum height for mixed land use is 18m.

Robyn Roberts, from the Fairy Hills Ivanhoe Residents Group, said the towering proposal was an affront to locals and called for Planning Minister Richard Wynne to step in.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the proposed development? Tell us below.

Ms Roberts said residents and the council were lobbying for mandatory height limits for the area but feared the application could be approved before any restriction could be introduced.

Save Ivanhoe co-convener Luke McNamara said the group worried the proposal could set a precedent for other buildings.

“The community and council worked so hard together on the Ivanhoe Structure Plan to establish what most people would consider reasonable, but this (development) is so out of step with what everyone agreed on — to the point of being disappointing and alarming,” Mr McNamara said.

Residents commenting on the application at planningalerts.org.au said the “skyscraper” would ruin the suburb’s skyline and add to traffic congestion in the area.

Artist's impression of proposed development for 40 Upper Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe.

Ivanhoe’s Helen Mavrokefalos urged people to examine planning applications for their suburb and speak up if they objected to them.

“Far too often we are seeing massive construction take over Ivanhoe’s skyline and the wider community doesn’t have awareness until construction starts, by then it’s too late,” Ms Mavrokefalos said.

Paul Salter, managing director of land owner SB & G Group, said they were passionate about creating a landmark building “that provides a gateway to Ivanhoe”.

“SB & G is confident that the development will deliver a very positive outcome for Ivanhoe,” Mr Salter said.

The former service station site has been vacant for more than 20 years.

Banyule Council is receiving feedback on the application until July 4 with officer recommendations estimated to be made by early August.

As of deadline, the council had received 20 objections and submissions.

Patrick Lane, spokesman for Planning Minister Richard Wynne, said Banyule Council was best placed to determine the application.

Mr Lane added that it was important the community had an opportunity to have its say.

You can view the application at shaping.banyule.vic.gov.au/planning

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the proposed development? Tell us below.