Developers lodge plans to continue St Leonards residential boom, building nine homes on vacant block

St Leonards residential growth boom is set to continue with plans to transform one vacant block into nine townhouses.

St Leonards residential growth boom is set to continue with plans to transform one vacant block into nine townhouses.

Developers have lodged a planning application with the City of Greater Geelong to build two double-storey and seven single-storey townhouses on a 4060sq m vacant block in Doongara Ave in the booming Bellarine suburb.

The $2.5m plans were lodged about six years after the large block, which is located about 400m from the beach, was cleared.

Google Maps image of the St Leonards block

Planning documents argue the proposed development is “appropriate to the neighbourhood”, largely made up of homes built between the 50s and 70s.

“The proposed development will have a ‘Modern/Contemporary style’ incorporating materials such as timber cladding, lightweight rendered foam cladding, fibre cement cladding, selected stone cladding and face and rendered masonry blockwork,” the documents noted.

“The proposal will use materials and textures as seen throughout neighbouring dwellings in area

“The development responds to the surrounding area by maintaining the use of a variety of building materials including timber, metal and masonry feature walls.

“Most of the existing dwellings are of single storey with the occasional double storey as well.”

Developers also argued the need for a boost in housing supply for the area.

“St Leonards in recent years has had an influx of new housing/developments both single and double dwellings,” documents noted.

“The development increases the supply of housing in existing urban areas using planning systems that supports the appropriate needs of the community and the appropriate quantity of quality housing.”

The planning application will remain open for public comment until September 29.

Originally published as Developers lodge plans to continue St Leonards residential boom, building nine homes on vacant block