Objections over Hicks St, Lara proposal

Council has been inundated with objections to a proposed $4.3m development in Lara. Here’s why.

An artist's impression of the proposed Lara development.

The City of Greater Geelong has received more than 100 objections to a proposed five-level development on Hicks St in Lara.

Spruiked as a “first for the area”, a planning application for the $4.3 million project was lodged with council in December.

The development, which would include four storeys and a basement, “will be used to house multiple tenants, yet to be finalised but likely to include retail on the ground floor, education and offices on upper levels” according to planning documents.

The Geelong Advertiser understands common themes in the objections include traffic congestion; inadequate carparking; size, height and design of building; and neighbourhood character.

Director city planning and economy Gareth Smith said no date had been set for a decision on the project.

“The city has received 105 objections and one letter of support in response to the application,” Mr Smith said.

“The applicant is reviewing the objections and we are continuing to assess the application.”

Hicks Street, Lara, where plans have been submitted to build a four-storey development. Picture: Alan Barber

Developers argued the site was “the ideal location for such a proposal”, while noting the increased density that would follow its construction.

“A four-storey building will be a first for the area but with limited land for a growing commercial need, this location directly opposite the train station is the ideal location to provide needed density with direct public transport available and create a great outcome for the area,” the documents said.

“The owners’ design intent with this building was to create a high-quality design with aesthetics the major brief focus. They want to improve the streetscape and not have an ugly generic bland box on this site.”

The site, a leafy property hiding a single storey house, sits between Lara’s Salvos store and a double-storey development, currently for lease.

While the tenants have not been confirmed, planning documents revealed Werribee-based early childhood education training provider Riverdale Institute is earmarked to operate on the second storey.

Advertisement of the development’s plans were originally set to close on January 11, before the period for comment was extended to January 20.

The Geelong Advertiser understands an extra week was allocated for public comment due to the Christmas-New Year period to allow community members enough time to have their say.

Originally published as Objections over Hicks St, Lara proposal