Planning committee on Plenty Rd, Gilbert Rd developments

A firm criticised for concealing bedrooms as “retreats” in a six-storey apartment block could be on their way to VCAT after Darebin councillors failed to make a decision on the application.

A three-storey development has been accused of hiding bedrooms as “retreats” by Darebin councillors.

Darebin councillors have accused developers of hiding bedrooms as “retreats” in a planning submission.

But they could be on their way to VCAT anyway after the council committee failed to make a decision on the application.

The plans for 295-297 Gilbert Rd, Preston showed four, three-storey and two, two-storey townhouses, all with two bedrooms.

But councillors took issue with “retreats” on the plans, which had an attached bathroom, believing they could easily be turned into a third bedroom.

Councillor Newton said the intention to transform the space was “blatant”.

“(The bathroom is) an ensuite to what will absolutely become a bedroom,” she said.

Applicant ‘pushed the boundaries’

But no councillor seconded Ms Newton’s motion of refusal.

Subsequent motions to grant the permit and defer the decision were voted down.

The decision could now move to VCAT, where councillors believe it is likely to pass.

Cr Trent McCarthy said he was concerned the spaces would be converted into additional bedrooms, but was “certain” the permit would be approved by VCAT anyway.

Cr McCarthy believed the plans were a way to reduce the number of required car spaces.

With no decision made, the developer can choose to proceed through VCAT or resubmit plans to the council.

Applicant Architectural Home Designs could not be reached for comment.

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Also considered by councillors was a plan for a four-storey building with a restaurant, shop and 21 dwellings at 650-652 Plenty Rd and 121 Rene St, Preston.

Councillors refused the permit application, which received 29 objections, on the grounds of bulk, height, and poor liveability and access.

Cr Tim Laurence said he voted to refuse the permit because the applicant “pushed the boundaries” of liveability and access.

The developer can appeal the decision in VCAT.

@richardapearce