An article regarding the 6 Paine St development has just been published in the Hobsons Bay Weekly.
Article and picture below by Hobsons Bay Weekly.. or go to the article at the Hobsons Bay Weekly website.
Artist's impression: A north-west perspective of the proposed development at the former Newport timber yard.
Newport timber yard plan update still angers
MORE than 200 objections have been lodged against a new development proposal for the former Newport timber yard.
A $9.6million, 45-dwelling apartment block, over three and four storeys (see artist’s sketch opposite), has been proposed for 6 Paine Street.
As reported by the Weekly in April, the developer’s earlier proposal for a three-storey, 42-dwelling apartment block was rejected by Hobsons Bay Council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
More than 80 objections against the first proposal were received by the council, opposing the proposed black, cube-like building.
Then in August, the Weekly reported residents felt “blackmailed” by a developer’s letter which indicated that if residents did not accept a new design, a four-storey, 136-dwelling social housing complex could be built without council approval.
The council denied that this was the case.
Resident Anthony Simmons said residents had been “taken aback” by the latest plans.
“The new proposal is essentially the same as the old proposal except it’s increased in size and density. That’s upset a lot of people and there’s a feeling of the process having failed them. They’ve changed the colour, but they’ve packed more people in; the population density is up by about 14per cent.”
The council’s planning and environment director, Peter Gaschk, said officers were still reviewing the application. Domain Hill Property Group town planner Eddie Zagami, acting for the developer, said the increased number of apartments was a “byproduct of the new design”.
“We believe we’ve addressed the design issues and as a result there are a few more apartments.”
I would like to see a townhouse development like they have at Williamstown Junction. But this developer is it for the money. With so many people and cars to be sited on one block of land, it is going to impact on every resident living in or around Newport. I hope that for every resident concerned, that it doesn’t get approved, because this eyesore will be with us resident’s forever!!!
If the council lets this development go ahead does this then set the standard for the rest of us meaning we no longer have to abide by the historical overlay conditions in place regarding developments or improvements to our blocks including our residences?
Based on the previous decision at VCAT – the design changes to this development will get it approved.
Do not let it go to VCAT.
I am astounded by the arrogance of the developer. I don’t live close to the proposed development but I feel strongly that the wishes of residents in Hobsons Bay are being ignored in favour of over developed sites. I wish all of the residents who are fighting this monstrosity all the best for a very favourable outcome.