Brunswick $250m apartment plan rejected, headed to VCAT

A MASSIVE $250 million apartment complex overlooking Princes Park has been thrown out by Moreland councillors — but that’s not the end of it.

PLANS for a $250 million apartment complex overlooking Princes Park look has been unanimously rejected by Moreland councillors.

They agreed with a report by officers that called for a refusal of a plan by developer JWLand to build five buildings up to 14 storeys high on the site currently occupied by the Princes Park Motor Inn in Brunswick.

OVERSHADOWING CLAIMS CHALLENGED

RESIDENTS’ ANGER AT APARTMENT PLANS

TOXIC SITE WARNING

Artist's impression of a planned 14-storey apartment complex at 699 Park St, Brunswick, by developer JWLand. Pic: Supplied

The application is now headed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with mayor John Kavanagh last night promising to hire a Senior Counsel to lead Moreland’s fight.

“It’s far too big. It’s another reason that we need mandatory height controls in Moreland,’’ Cr Kavagagh said.

“It’s a significant site and the gateway to Moreland and at the end of one of Melbourne’s great boulevards.’’

Cr Jess Dorney described the proposal as “unconscionable”.

In a statement JWLand said an appeal had been lodged with VCAT after the defined timeframe for a decision expired.

Protesters at the meeting urged the council not to settle for a compromise on height.

The proposal was for 280 apartments, 377 parking spaces, shops and a childcare centre.

The Moreland report said the design resulted in “poor visual amenity” and that the building setbacks were inadequate.

Aerial view of the proposed 699 Park St apartment redevelopment (outlined) next to Princes Park. Pic: Supplied

And at 45m high, the project breached the area’s height controls but a smaller complex would be considered.

“The height as proposed is excessive, however heights of between eight and 10 storeys may be acceptable,’’ the report said.

Neighbouring councils Melbourne and Yarra were among more than 200 objectors.

Council officers said the JWLand proposal called 699 Park St was too high and an overdevelopment of the site.

Residents are concerned about overdevelopment of the site of the current Princes Park Motor Inn on Park St, Brunswick. Picture: Sarah Matray

They also raised heritage concerns about the demolition of the Brunswick Electricity Supply Transformer Station which is on the Brunswick Rd side of the site.

“The proposed development would result in an unacceptable impact on the character of the locality, failing to appropriately respond to the unique context of this site,’’ the officers said.

JWLand has indicated before Wednesday’s council meeting that it was ready to take its plans to VCAT should Moreland councillors reject the project.

The Environment Protection Authority earlier this month issued a clean-up notice after high ­levels of toxic chemicals were detected on the site bordered by Park St, Sydney Rd and Brunswick Rd.

Artist's impression of the proposed residential development at 699 Park St, Brunswick. Pic: Architectus/JWLand

The City of Melbourne objected to overshadowing of the northern edge of Princes Park, which is within its municipal boundary. But the Moreland report said overshadowing only occurred over a small section of the park at the winter solstice.

Artist's impression of the proposed residential development at 699 Park St, Brunswick as viewed from Sydney Rd. Pic: Architectus/JWLand

Dozens of members of residents’ protest group, Protect Park St Precinct, attended the meeting.

Group spokeswoman Christine Christian said residents believed the proposed complex was inappropriate to the neighbourhood.

@IanRoyall