Plans for Portarlington apartment complex and retail outlets are out for public consultation

A developer has responded to concerns raised by Geelong council regarding a proposed 32-apartment complex in Portarlington. SEE THE PLANS

An artist’s impression of a proposed mixed-use development at 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington.

There are plans for a three-storey apartment complex close to a controversial multistorey development in Portarlington, with the project also set to feature six retail outlets if given the green light.

The project at 5-7 Brown St is 200m from the site of a proposal for 49 Newcombe St that was recently knocked back by the state’s planning tribunal.

The Brown St site would include 21 two-bedroom apartments and 11 three-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 71sq metres to 137sq metres.

All apartments would have a balcony and a rooftop terrace would be accessible for residents.

The ground floor retail sites range in size from 91sq metres to 131sq metres.

An artist’s impression of a proposed mixed-use development at 5-7 Brown St, Portarlington.

The planning application, which is currently out for community consultation, states that a basement car park would have 50 spaces, while existing dwellings on the 1665sq metre site would need to be demolished.

The refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel is just around the corner.

Town planning consultancy Human Habitats recently responded to a number of council concerns regarding the project’s design.

Among those was a suggestion by council that one-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments should be part of the mix.

“It is considered that the proposed range of apartment sizes are types are appropriate for the location of the subject site within Portarlington,” was the response.

“It is envisaged that young/small families will benefit from this development, and the services and amenities, such as school and shops, within proximity to the subject site.”

Council also raised the possibility of the project getting assessed by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) to ensure it fitted the character of Portarlington’s townscape.

“We do not consider a referral to the OVGA is necessary and will likely unreasonably delay the progression of this application,” the proponent responded.

“We respectfully decline this process.”

Also of concern to council town planners was a ground floor apartment that had windows looking directly at the entry to the underground car park.

Revised plans show this issue has been remedied.

Plans for a multistorey development at 49 Newcombe St, Portarlington, were knocked back by the state’s planning tribunal.

In September, the Victoria’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal sided with objectors and Geelong council in turning down a mixed-use proposal at 49 Newcombe St.

It found the building’s size was “highly visible” and “out of character with the township”.

Public feedback for 5-7 Brown St closes November 28.

Originally published as Plans for Portarlington apartment complex and retail outlets are out for public consultation