Glen Eira councillors to decide fate of Woolworths Elsternwick high-rise plans

Woolworths’ controversial 14-storey high-rise plans for Elsternwick have been flatly rejected by Glen Eira councillors. But the legal fight could be far from over, with the council set to call in the big guns if the retail giant keeps pursuing the plan.

An artist’s impression of the Woolworths high-rise development in Elsternwick.

UPDATE: Plans for a controversial high-rise in Elsternwick have been knocked back by councillors — but concerned residents say the fight is far from over.

More than 200 people poured into Glen Eira Council chambers last night in a last-ditch attempt to block the Woolworths’ 14-storey proposal.

When unanimously refusing the two-tower apartment complex on Selwyn St, councillors dubbed parts of the development planned for the former ABC studio land as “excessive” and said it would negatively impact on traffic, neighbourhood character and residents’ lives.

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But the plans could get a second chance and are likely to head to VCAT in coming months, with the council confirming it had already sought senior legal representation to fight against Woolworths.

Scores of residents have long opposed the high-rise, with 187 objections lodged to the council about the height, scale, and impacts on amenity, heritage, traffic and parking.

Resident action group Stop The Elsternwick Towers also organised a last-minute petition, that garnered 1796 signatures in just two weeks.

Lead organiser Karen Boyd-Jones said residents’ passion had paid off, and she was thrilled common sense had prevailed.

She said residents were enjoying the relief for now, but had vowed to fight strongly against the high-rise if it went to the planning tribunal.

“We hope the (residents’ hard work) had an impact on the decision; all the emails, formal objections, and meetings we had,” Ms Boyd-Jones said.

“I suspect it’s not over yet.”

The retail giant has pursued the proposal for nearly two years — even amending its plans hoping to quell negative feedback — but has been blocked from proceeding due to heat from the community.

Cr Joel Silver said the council was sympathetic to concerns, but residents should understand something might occur on the site that’s higher than they’re comfortable with.”

Cr Dan Sztrajt said there was space for some development all over Glen Eira, but this one “ticked too many boxes for inappropriate development”.

“I’d urge the developer to consider (what the community) is saying and not go to VCAT with demands for the absolute max,” he said.

The proposal may now be taken to VCAT.

Council officers had recommended refusing Woolworths’ application, even though they said there were positive factors, including its location in a major activity zone, community and economic benefits, and creating homes in proximity to services.

But the report said it must be balanced against broader considerations.

“The proposed height is excessive and the materiality is unresolved such that the proposal

overwhelms the significant heritage architecture in the wider area,” it reads.

“Overall the design of the building... does not elevate to the bar of ‘architectural design

excellence’ to support such a large development on the land.”

Officers also argued traffic, amenity and the cultural precinct would be affected if it was allowed to go ahead.

“It would present amenity impacts to adjoining properties particularly noise from the

supermarket plant equipment,” it reads.

“The proposal would also introduce significant traffic including servicing vehicles (and) the impact has not been managed (to) ensure an acceptable operation of the surrounding road network and the tram along Glen Huntly Rd.”

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Council officers have recommended knocking back the 14-storey high-rise.