CERES wins design changes for Stewart St building, but height remains

A building set to be built near Brunswick East environment park CERES will be redesigned after a lengthy VCAT battle. But the height of the apartment building will remain unchanged.

Campaigners from CERES and local homes have been fighting the proposed development since last year. Picture: Ellen Smith

A fight over a planned six-storey apartment building next to CERES environment park appears over after a VCAT decision earlier this month.

The building, which was originally touted to include more than 100 apartments, at 269 Stewart St, Brunswick East will be allowed to continue at its planned height but with revised plans.

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The decision made by VCAT senior member Rachel Naylor will allow 71 apartments, but with changes to setbacks so as not to intrude on CERES.

“The upper levels of the proposed development along Stewart St and wrapping around to the south, adjacent to CERES, need to change,” Ms Naylor wrote in her decision.

The application was heard at VCAT in November, with the order handed down on April 7.

The environment park has won limited changes to a neighbouring development. Picture: George Salpigtidis

CERES initially suggested a four-storey height for the building but chief executive Cinnamon Evans said those campaigning against the development would have to settle for changes to the plans, which also included alteration of planned landscaping.

“We are pleased that VCAT has required substantial setbacks and the opportunity for large trees to soften the visual dominance of this large building,” she said.

“But it would be preferable for a development to have a respectful scale.”

Managing director Panos Mitiadou said developer Lucent Group would progress with the building and adhere to the recommendations.

But Ms Evans said development polices needed to change to avoid inappropriate developments in the future.

“It is disappointing that policies guiding change are not sufficiently clear and robust,” she said.