Barwon Heads mansion cops council blow, likely destined for VCAT

The push to add a third storey to what opponents already saw as overdevelopment in Barwon Heads has provoked much emotion as council’s planning committee has its say.

An artist’s impression of the Barwon Heads project at 2A Talbot St and 4-8 Paringa Lane.

Geelong council has dealt a major blow to the expanded plans of a Barwon Heads mansion by its wealthy proponents.

In an emotional Thursday night meeting, council’s planning committee overwhelmingly voted to deny an amendment to the massive mansion at 2A Talbot St and 4-8 Paringa Lane that would have seen a third level added.

If approved, the height of the building would have increased from 7.5m to 11m.

The meeting commenced with city officer Shane Pritchard outlining a summary of the amendment and an accompanying report.

Mr Pritchard said the amendment was modest in relation to the overall plan, arguing the third storey and other amendments would not be imposing.

A number of Barwon Heads residents then outlined why they were staunchly opposed to the project.

A render of the proposed project at 2A Talbot St and 4-8 Paringa Lane in Barwon Heads.

Among them was Bruce McColl, who spoke on behalf of five residents.

Mr McColl played a recording of the construction noise as heard from his granddaughter’s room, before speaking through tears.

“We’ve inquired about renting this place, but we’ve been advised this build has made our home un-rentable,” he said.

“There is no healthy way to stay in our home, so after our babysitting days are complete, we vacate our home for the rest of the week.

“I ask each of you to reflect on your own homes, imagine your kids can’t play in the garden for two-and-a-half years, now extend that time for the addition of another floor.

How the development would look with a third storey.

“The City of Greater Geelong cannot protect us from what has already been approved, I am begging you to protect our families by not approving (this).”

Council previously approved plans for a two-storey development and a basement garage.

Other residents argued the scale of the project would dominate the river line and that it was “concerning” that the applicants – the Luckock family – sought further amendments.

One resident said the proposed build demonstrated a “lack of taste,” another described it as a “concrete monolith”.

A point of contention throughout the meeting was the fact the amendment sought to increase the height of the ground floor of the property.

Contour Consultants director Michael Henderson represented the Luckock family.

He argued the family were long-time residents of the area, had previously resided at the site, and were planning to return.

He also argued the family were responsible for funding one of the local Country Fire Authority trucks.

Mr Henderson’s input caused some animosity in the crowd, with one opponent yelling “get the facts right”.

No councillor put forward the motion to accept the planning amendment, as was recommended by city officers.

Councillor Elise Wilkinson, whose ward takes in the site and who called the application in to the committee, offered an alternate motion to deny the amendment.

It passed five votes to one, with councillor Rowan Story the only opponent.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj warned the residents that the already approved plans would still go ahead, and the amendments would likely go before VCAT.

“Be mindful that while we may be shocked with what has happened, maybe up in Melbourne they’ll be less shocked,” Mr Kontelj said.

“So be prepared for that, good luck.”

The site, which has consolidated four properties at a cost of more than $25m, has a total area of 1553 sqm and runs into the Barwon River.

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Originally published as Barwon Heads mansion cops council blow, likely destined for VCAT