Neighbours alarmed by mysterious Leopold development

Leopold locals are alarmed by a mysterious renovation in their quiet court, which they fear could be creating a rooming house that would cause parking chaos and noise.

Residents in and around Curtis Crt Leopold including Bruce Blake, right, are worried about a mystery development. Picture: Alison Wynd

Leopold locals are alarmed by a mysterious renovation they fear could be creating a rooming house that would cause parking chaos and noise in their quiet court.

Residents were first alerted to the development when plans for 4 Curtis Court, a property purchased earlier this year, were leaked in a community social media group last week.

Works had already started at the site last month before a stop work notice was issued on Monday.

A couple in the neighbourhood, Joan and Peter Lunnon, said they were shocked to see the plans featured seven bedrooms and no living room.

The plans revealed a proposed Class 1B conversion, meaning the residential property could be converted into a rooming house without requiring planing permits from council.

“Works started on this two weeks ago and it’s only just turned up (on social media),” Mr Lunnon said.

“Its seven bedrooms, who are the tenants going to be?

“We don't know what's going on, we’ve emailed the council and no reply yet.

“Usually when something like this happens they put a notice out.”

Class 1B buildings include boarding houses, guesthouses or hostels housing less than 12 people, and a floor area of less than 300 sqm.

The Curtis Court Leopold development site. Picture: Alison Wynd

Designs seen by the Geelong Advertiser include seven bedrooms, each with a kitchenette and ensuite, a single-space carport and one communal combined kitchen and laundry space.

Mr Lunnon said many of the neighbours had significant concerns around parking in the court.

Appointed building surveyor Brent William said a stop work notice was issued at the site on Monday, as demolition began at the property before plans had been submitted to council.

He said the property had been a Class 1A building, meaning a single dwelling, but had since been altered to a Class 1B building.

In a general residential zone, a permit to construct rooming houses is not needed, provided the house meets certain standards.

City of Greater Geelong executive director placemaking Tennille Bradley said the site was in a general residential zoned area and housed a single-storey dwelling.

“The owner has appointed a private building surveyor to deal with the building issues on the site,” Bradley said.

“Council has not received any request to change the use or zoning of the property or received applications about building plans for this site.”

Leopold resident Bruce Blake said neighbours felt concerned about what the house would be used for.

“We’re concerned it’s going to be a commercial property, and it’s got no place being in this court,” he said.

The owner of the property had been contacted for comment.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Neighbours alarmed by mysterious Leopold development