Retreat Rd restaurant proposal to head to VCAT after more than 50 objections

A controversial proposal to turn an old post office into a modern restaurant in Newtown will go before the state’s planning umpire.

A concept image for restaurant plans at 9 Retreat Rd in Newtown. Picture: Hamilton Group

A controversial bid to turn an old Newtown post office into a modern restaurant will go before the state’s planning umpire after more than 50 residents objected to a revised proposal.

The Hamilton Group’s initial plan to transform 9 Retreat Rd into a wine bar was first lodged to the City of Greater Geelong in January 2023, but received more than 70 objections.

Residents raised concerns about the lack of carparking and increased traffic.

A revised proposal to turn the building into a restaurant was lodged to council in August.

Hamilton Group manager director Cam Hamilton said at the time the objections were taken into account when revising the plans.

“We have tried to come up with something that addresses those concerns while doing something we believe will be a good thing for the area,” he said.

In November, Geelong council issued the proposal with a “notice of decision to grant a permit” as it found the development appropriate for the site.

This means council wanted to approve the application but there were objections.

Geelong council acting executive director of planning and design Joanne Van Slageren said the city received 57 objections to the revised proposal and 47 letters of support.

“(The objections) raised concerns about the intensification of the use of the site, that a restaurant may be incompatible with the area and that the proposed hours of the liquor licence are not in keeping with the residential area,” she said.

“Increased traffic, road safety and noise were also raised.”

However, the proposal will now go before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

In the revised plan, the venue would accommodate 50 people, instead of 120 initially proposed, and would operate seven days a week.

A solo acoustic musician would play inside the restaurant, with the doors closed, and would stop performing at 8pm.

The plans include an two indoor dining areas, two outdoor courtyards and a private room.

The main entrance fronts Retreat Rd with disabled access via Pleasant St.

The case will go before VCAT in February.

Originally published as Retreat Rd restaurant proposal to head to VCAT after more than 50 objections