By an Albert Park resident and VCAT objector

Albert Park objectors recently received the VCAT decision on a five-level development proposal 146,148 and 150 Bridport St Albert Park, adjacent to the historic Biltmore.

After 10 hearing days and evidence from numerous heritage experts and planners, VCAT has determined that the development proposal for a 5-level building was “discordant with the prevailing building scale” of Bridport Street and has deleted the top floor reducing the building to four levels (ground, 1, 2,3). The Tribunal was concerned of “the impact (that the proposal) will have on the heritage character and streetscape”.

This outcome is in line with the one floor reduction proposed by a motion by Crs Sirakoff and Cunsolo at Council’s Planning Committee Meeting held 26 October 2023 before the VCAT hearing. 

Disappointingly, Crs Bond, Baxter, Crawford, Clark, Martin and Nyaguy all voted against the motion.

Had this motion been upheld by Council, then all parties may have been spared the time and considerable cost to each participant of a appearing at VCAT. It is notable that Council itself incurred considerable costs in retaining external expert legal representation at VCAT to support the FIVE level development.

How can this spending by Council be fiscally supported?

What cost/ benefit analysis is undertaken before approval is given within Council for such a substantial spend?

It’s time for our Councillors, in making planning decisions, to be educated and listen to VCAT and apply that knowledge when exercising their decision making on planning issues before committing ratepayers’ funds unnecessarily.

In October 2023 , a petition was commenced on change.org  https://www.change.org/p/reject-5-storey-development-in-the-albert-park-village?source_location=search  calling for Council to reject this 5 level development.

With over 570 signatories, while Council champions “engagement”, does Council actually listen?