Heritage concerns over ‘bulky’ Queenscliff bid

MICHELLE HERBISON
A PROPOSED residential and retail development would damage the heritage values of Queens-cliff’s Hesse St, according to objectors.
Borough of Queenscliffe’s council will vote next week on the plan for eight shops with dwellings above on a former nursing home site.
Objector David Kenwood said the proposal “would change the nature of Hesse St and detract from Queenscliff’s appeal as a heritage town for both residents and visitors”.
But Big4 Beacon Resort director Lorraine Golightly supported the plans, calling the development a “missing link” to ensure the town’s long-term viability.
Borough chief executive officer Lenny Jenner said council received 11 submissions, with eight objecting and three in support.
Concerns included the proposed buildings’ modern appearance and bulk.
“There has been lots of consultation with council and some changes have been made by the applicant as a result of feedback from objectors,” Mr Jenner said.
“At a planning meeting with council, the applicant and submitters, people were arguing about the bulk of the overall development.”
Mr Jenner said the façade of the building would remain modern despite objectors highlighting Queenscliff’s heritage design.