An independent panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning, will consider submissions from the community about Amendment C436ggee in February 2024.
The
combined amendment and planning permit relates to the proposed construction of
84 apartments as part of stage five of the Balmoral Quay development in
Rippleside. Formerly known as the Rippleside Shipyards, the site at 1 and 11
Harbourside Drive is 400 metres from North Geelong Station and the Princes
Highway.
It
proposes to change the maximum permitted building height from 13.5 metres to 27
metres (28.3 metres to the top of services) with a reduction in car parking.
Council
last night referred the 173 community submissions, including a petition with
419 signatures, onto the panel after public exhibition of the amendment in
August and September this year.
Of
these, 167 submissions objected to the proposal and six submissions either
supported, did not object or provided comments only.
Concerns
about traffic, character, building scale/height and overshadowing to Rippleside
Park were consistent themes raised in submissions which the City has since
responded to.
While
the City acknowledges that increased traffic and hazards could reasonably be
accommodated into the road network, it recommended that an independent traffic
expert witness be engaged to appropriately address concerns.
Council
endorsed the recommendation, with an expert set to be engaged to review the
amendment and provide traffic related evidence at the panel hearing.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
All
submissions will be considered by the independent panel.
It’s
important everyone has a chance to be heard and that’s why submitters can also
appear at the panel hearing to have their say.
The
role of the independent panel ensures that we continue to have an open and
accountable process.
Councillor
Peter Murrihy
We appreciate
your feedback and insights on this proposed amendment and look forward to
hearing the independent panel’s recommendations.
The City will
also work to further resolve issues in the lead up to the scheduled hearing
early next year.