Waterfront height limits set to stay

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG councillors are set to lift building-height restrictions to 10 storeys for inner-city residential areas under new planning powers.
But Cr Stretch Kontelj said the limit for developments on Geelong’s waterfront would stay at six storeys under the proposed three-tier urban design guidelines.
Cr Kontelj said restrictions of 10, eight and six storeys would “cascade” in central Geelong toward the waterfront.
The rules would safeguard views of the bay but residents living hundreds of metres from the city skyline could be bombarded with expanding development, he warned.
“Eventually there will be winners and losers,” Cr Kontelj said.
“While your property might be in that zone, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be given the tick.
“Officers will take into consideration sensible developments throughout that CBD – it won’t be just wall-to-wall high rise.”
Councillors have backed away from a proposal for open slather on new projects and to hand over council officers greater power, he said.
“If there are objections, it will still go through the normal planning processes,” Cr Kontelj said.
“Councillors will still have the opportunity to have the input on the final decisions. Residents, likewise, will still be able to put in objections and be heard in relation to the matter.
“This is not taking away any rights – it’s just trying to get clarity in relation to height limits in the CBD and then retain the involvement of councillors and the community in the appeal process.”
Cr Kontelj said fears that new height restrictions could block views of Geelong landmarks had been taken into account.
Views of St Mary’s Basilica, one of the city’s most recognisable structures, would be protected from future developments.
“We thought it was very important that it remained a landmark from all four corners of the city,” Cr Kontelj said.
Council will vote on the proposed height limits next week.