State ‘horror storeys’

Jessica Benton
HIGH-RISE development could ruin the Bellarine Peninsula, a state MP has warned.
Liberal planning spokesperson Matthew Guy said State Government’s proposed new residential zones would allow for “inappropriate” suburban high-rise development on the peninsula.
Mr Guy said the zones wrongly categorised all towns in regional Victoria for high-density development.
“Developments of this nature will substantially change the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast’s characters and will be a disaster for towns like Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Barwon Heads, Torquay and Anglesea,” he said.
“These coastal areas are experiencing population increases and this is a panicked attempt to deal with the growth.
“High-density development has its place but not every road, every street and every quiet court on the coast is suitable for high-rise apartments.”
The Government has proposed three new residential zones in a discussion paper: substantial change zone, in which buildings can be four storeys or higher; incremental change zone, with buildings three storeys or higher; and limited change zone, where maximum building height is three storeys.
Mr Guy said the building height requirements were better suited to Hong Kong or New York. He said the Brumby Government was also taking away residents’ rights of appeal under the planning changes.
“Removing laws that ensure a community is notified of high-rise plans or the right for residents to object is complete arrogance on John Brumby’s behalf,” Mr Guy said.
“Every Victorian has the right to know what will be built next to their home and, more importantly, they should always have the right to object if they feel any plan will negatively impact upon their property.”
Planning Minister Justin Madden had not returned the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.