THE community will be able to have its say on the proposed Mentone Hotel development after Kingston Council voted to request approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne to begin a formal planning amendment process for the site.
If that is granted, the amendment process will include a call for public feedback on the proposed development. The council will then review submissions received and determine whether or not to refer them to an independent planning panel for further review.
The mayor Cr Tamsin Bearsley said there had been a great deal of “misinformation” about the process in the community – including threats of an arson attack if the council did not vote the way one protester demanded.
“Let me be clear. Kingston Council has not approved the plans for the Mentone Hotel development,” she said.
“Last night’s vote was not about giving approval to the development, but rather about starting the formal planning process so that the community can have its say.”
The application lodged with the council includes retention and restoration of the state heritage-protected building facade and internal staircase as set out in the permit granted by the Victorian Heritage Council.
The developer, Paul Huggins, has applied to build 56 apartments and 12 townhouses up to four storeys high on the iconic site. A food and beverage area will be established in part of the ground floor of the heritage listed Beach Rd building.
Cr Ron Brownlees told a sometimes noisy meeting that “anger, hostility and hysteria” had marred to council’s consideration of plans for the hotel’s redevelopment.
“We’ve never even voted on it,” he said.
“The whole issue has been hijacked by pollies and council wannabees.
“There are two issues: Those who want a hotel and those who are opposed to four-storey apartments – two clear choices.
“The owner can reject our decision and go to VCAT, and then we’d be back to square one, or, we can stay in the game and have further discussions.”
Cr Brownlees congratulated the Save the Edgy group for their efforts in trying to save the 1880s hotel “with limited success”.
“The site has a wonderful history and I hope we can work with the owners to get a better outcome to preserve those memories.”
Cr Bearsley said this was the first step in a long process.
“I’m keen to ensure the community is aware of the facts and has its chance to give feedback on the plans – then later on, following community feedback, council will have the chance to vote on whether or not they wish to refer the matter to an independent panel for advice,” she said.
“No matter what councillors decide, ultimately the final decision whether or not to amend the planning scheme rests with the Victorian Minister for Planning and this process is expected to take many months.”
Interested residents can register with the council to be kept informed about the different stages of the Mentone Hotel planning process. Register by emailing strategic.planning@kingston.vic.gov.au or call the strategic planning team on 9581 4713.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 25 May 2016
1 Comment
I object to the proposed development of the Mentone Hotel for the following reasons :
l. The intended development will completely ruin this historical building.
2. Four storeys are completely unacceptable – two storeys are all that should be allowed
on that site in keeping with the other buildings on Beach Road.
3. 45 apartments and 12 townhouses will cause far too much congestion in that area.