THE only way is up for an apartment complex set to be built at Mentone Junction despite Kingston Council objections to the proposal amid claims of a planning error that left neighbouring residents in the dark.
VCAT has ruled Pace Developments can go ahead and build a nine-storey tower containing 87 apartments at the site of the former iconic Mentone Tenpin Bowl complex at 1-9 Balcombe Rd.
Councillors had unanimously decided to oppose the development after council refused a planning permit on the grounds the building’s excessive height would be out of context with the area.
Cr Rosemary West said she was “utterly disgusted” at VCAT’s decision to overrule council objections but also blamed the outcome on “a comedy of errors” by council’s planning department.
“There was eight months of unnecessary delay after the planning proposal put out for exhibition turned out to contain mistakes,” Cr West said.
Cr West said the council spent $100,000 hiring Stuart Morris SC to fight its VCAT case to try to limit the planned apartment building to four storeys.
Expert witnesses recommended a six-storey height limit should apply the Pace development, which is named “Arc Mentone”.
Council also submitted a planning scheme amendment to state planning minister Matthew Guy in November last year which sought to restrict the Arc Mentone building project to six levels.
The News understands Mr Guy failed to respond to council before VCAT’s decision to approve the 9-storey development last week.
Several neighbouring residents made submissions to council and VCAT against allowing the tower to be built.
They feared the building’s shadow would restrict light to their properties and will dominate the neighbourhood skyline.
Pace Developments declined to comment.
The company’s website describes Arc Mentone as having “balconies as a key feature, impressive street setbacks, superior landscape design and a building footprint that ensures an abundance of natural light penetrates deep into the development.”
Kingston mayor Paul Peulich said VCAT’s approval of the 9-storey development at the front of the site was disappointing for residents who live around Mentone Junction.
“Residents were opposed to the developments proposed at this site. Council fought strongly against the 9-storey proposal, but unfortunately VCAT decided the proposal was an appropriate design and that the proximity of the site to infrastructure, public transport and services supported the level of housing proposed,” he said.
An increasing number of planning battles are being fought in Mentone as Melbourne’s urban sprawl extends into the south-east suburbs.
Mentone residents have opposed several residential developments in recent years.
Councillors agreed to impose a four-storey height limit in Mentone CBD late last year.
Cr West said objecting residents at Mentone Junction “have been failed by just about every side and level of the planning process”.
