VCAT ticks off 8m tall Geelong CBD billboard

Victoria’s planning umpire has ruled on a proposal for an 16 sqm billboard in the city centre.

A 16 sqm billboard in the Geelong CBD has been greenlit by the state’s planning umpire.

The City of Greater Geelong initially knocked back the sign proposed for the corner of Yarra St and Little Malop St, saying it would dominate the streetscape and it was inconsistent with the general character of the area.

But the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found that it did not “prevent an active street frontage at the ground level and will provide a level of interest to the streetscape”.

VCAT member Tracey Bilston-McGillen said the height and bulk of surrounding developments like the Westfield complex meant the sign wouldn’t look out of place.

“The area will still be dominated by the existing developments and the proposed sign, although by no means small, will not dominate and will not project above the surrounding skyline,” she said.

“In saying this I am regarding the views from and along Yarra Street looking north and Malop Street looking east as the more significant.”

The overall structure – put forward by Regional Billboard Co Pty Ltd – would measure 8m by 2.08m, with a total display area of 16.64 sqm.

CoGG had also raised concerns about its impact on the heritage listed Protestant Meeting Room building at 61 Yarra St on the opposite corner, saying in its refusal the sign was “‘is not compatible with the desired character of the area”.

Addy Footy Fix newsletter

Sign up now for free email updates of all the local footy headlines, every Thursday and Sunday

But Ms Bilston-McGillen didn’t share the same concerns.

“The heritage building, the Former Protestant Meeting Room will sit proudly within its own right separated from the site by Yarra Street,” she said.

“The intersection is wide and is of sufficient distance for this heritage building to be read as its own building not influenced or dominated by the proposed sign.

VCAT also knocked back suggestions the sign – which would sit atop a single story building – would interrupt views down Yarra St.

“The view of the sky will also be maintained due to the low height of the building,” Ms Bilston-McGillen said.

“I do not agree that the sign will dominate this view given the low height of the building and sign and the openness of the intersection.”

Originally published as VCAT ticks off 8m tall Geelong CBD billboard