David Reid Homes’ apartment plan for 1 Laurence Grove, Ringwood East, approved by VCAT

A CONTROVERSIAL four-storey apartment complex in Ringwood East has been approved by the state’s planning tribunal.

Residents had objected to the plans for 1 Laurence Grove, Ringwood East, which have now been approved by VCAT. Picture: Steve Tanner

A CONTROVERSIAL four-storey apartment complex in Ringwood East has been approved by the state’s planning tribunal, despite strong objections from the public and Maroondah Council.

The project at 1 Laurence Grove was given the tick of approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Monday and will allow for 18 apartment and a basement carpark.

Applicant David Reid Homes Melbourne East appealed to the tribunal after the council rejected its proposal in March.

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At the time, the council claimed the size of the development was not appropriate for Ringwood East and would be better suited to activity centres such as Ringwood and Croydon.

Residents also rallied against the plan, with 99 lodging objections during the council process.

They formed their own action group and raised nearly $7000 for legal representation at the VCAT hearing.

They fear the development will change Ringwood East’s predominant landscape of low-rise buildings, and also raised concerns about traffic congestion and the building blocking out natural sunlight.

But in his ruling, VCAT member Geoffrey Rundell said the project was in line with the state’s planning policies, and areas such as Ringwood East should expect multi-dwelling developments.

“Three and four-storey apartment buildings are becoming commonplace in and close to middle-sized neighbourhood centres like Ringwood East,” he said.

“The height and appearance of the proposal before me is not out of place or uncommon in activity centres that have similar ranges of shops, services and public transport infrastructure.”

Mr Rundell said the building, which will be set back 5m from the road, would cast “limited” shadows over neighbours and would be “acceptable in views” from the street.

The development will include a basement with 22 carparking spaces and four for bicycles.

VCAT’s decision to overrule Maroondah Council comes weeks after it approved a two-storey childcare centre in Croydon catering for 104 kids.

Ringwood East Residents’ Action Group, Maroondah Council and David Reid Homes Melbourne East have been contacted for comment.