New sports pavilion approved for St Joseph’s College despite neighbour concern

A Geelong school’s plans to build a new sports pavilion at its campus has received approval from the state’s planning tribunal despite a fight from neighbours.

A GEELONG school’s plans to build a new sports pavilion at its campus has received approval from the state’s planning tribunal despite a fight from neighbours.

St Joseph’s College received a planning permit from the City of Greater Geelong Council to construct the 4 metre-high pavilion, which will include change rooms, a classroom and storage facilities.

But the school’s proposal was taken to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

for review following concerns from neighbouring property owners on Queens Road.

Some neighbours claimed that the structure would adversely affect their amenity due to its visual impact and would be better suited to a different area on the school grounds.

St Joseph's College, Newtown.

VCAT member Katherine Paterson found the issues to be minimal, and granted a planning permit for the proposal.

“With the changes I have made, I am satisfied the proposed building is an acceptable response to the neighbourhood character of the area,” Ms Paterson said.

“The proposal will not unreasonably affect the amenity of nearby properties through visual bulk or loss of view.

“While the proposal will have an impact on the existing on street arrangements, I am satisfied that this impact is acceptable.”

Ms Paterson included new conditions to the permit including revised colours of the buildings materials in response to concerns of the bright red bricks proposed for the rear facade.

“While this may be a reflection of the school colours, I find that this will be jarring in this residential streetscape,” Ms Paterson said.

“I have therefore required a revised colours and materials schedule to be provided using a more muted palette for the building as a condition of permit.”

The pavilion will be used by both the college as well as the St Joseph’s Cricket Club, which has both male and female teams.

MORE NEWS

SHOPPERS RUSH TO SNAP UP HOT TICKET ITEMS

CYCLIST KILLED IN CRASH

NEW FARM STAY DEVELOPMENT FOR WAURN PONDS

Originally published as New sports pavilion approved for St Joseph’s College despite neighbour concern