Bayswater’s tallest building denied by Knox Council but decision could go to VCAT

AN apartment block that would have been Bayswater’s tallest building has been knocked back by Knox councillors but could be appealed to the state’s planning tribunal.

An artists impression of what the proposed building at 711-717 Mountain Highway would look like.

AN apartment block that would have been Bayswater’s tallest building has been knocked back by Knox councillors. But it could still be appealed to the state’s planning tribunal.

The seven-storey building proposed for 711-717 Mountain Highway was refused a permit at Monday night’s council meeting.

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The council’s planning staff had recommended approving it, however councillors sided with Cr Adam Gill’s alternate motion to deny it because it was taller than the suburb’s discretionary height limit of five storeys and was not considered to be respectful of the existing or preferred neighbourhood character.

Artists' impressions show what the facade of the building would look like. Designs are from architect Moull Murray.

The 1250sq m site, on the corner of Valentine St and Mountain Hwy, was bought for $2.7 million in May 2016 and has a real estate agency, massage parlour, computer business, bottle shop and carpark.

The initial application for the site, lodged by Ratio Consultants in December 2016, was for a nine-storey apartment tower however that was later revised after concerns were raised by the council.

A Knox Leader online poll of 700 readers in July last year found 43 per cent were in favour of the nine-storey plans and 57 per cent were against it.

The amended application was for 55 apartments over seven storeys, including 39 two-bedroom, 15 one-bedroom and one three-bedroom.

The first proposal for a nine-storey apartment block (left) and the amended design as shown in the artists impressions.

The design was reduced by two storeys after concerns raised by Knox Council.

A council report said the development “responds very positively to the existing pattern of urban forms and character, the landscape qualities, historic and cultural elements and social dimensions and aspirations of the Knox Community”.

It said: “For these reasons, it is considered appropriate to exceed the recommended building height for this site.”

However, Cr Gill said at the meeting there were issues with the lack of parking and the adverse impact it would pose for nearby businesses.

He said Mountain Hwy traders had done it tough during prolonged streetscaping works that followed the level crossing removal.

The suburb’s tallest building is a four-storey apartment building up the road at 656 Mountain Hwy.

Mayor John Mortimore said after the meeting he expected the developer would appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Ratio Consultants have been approached for comment.