A FEDERAL politician has responded to a Kingston Council request for submissions on a proposed conversion of the Mentone Hotel in an apartment complex.
Federal Isaacs Labor MP Mark Dreyfus says any plan to allow a four-storey development “is understandably troubling” to many residents.
“I am concerned that if this amendment is granted that it would set a dangerous precedent for the overdevelopment of other properties along Beach Rd,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“The Edgy is an icon of the Mentone and Bayside communities. It is one of Melbourne’s last remaining historic pubs and this should be preserved wherever possible.”
In his submission, Mr Dreyfus says the plan to build a four-storey building behind the main hotel building in the existing carpark area “is out of character with the Beach Rd aesthetic and diminishes the heritage value of the hotel”.
Paul Huggins, of Momentum Developments, bought the Mentone Hotel early last year for a figure believed to be in the $9 million ballpark.
The property developer plans to have a food and drinks area within the ground floor of the main hotel building and 11 apartments within the Mentone Hotel.
Momentum Developments also wants to build a four-storey apartment complex containing 45 apartments and 12 townhouses in a new building behind the hotel.
In May Mr Huggins accused Mr Dreyfus of “scare tactics” over claims any approval of the four-storey building will set a precedent along Beach Rd.
Mr Huggins said the apartment building will be lower than the main hotel building since the design is “a wedding cake” shape with a setback third and fourth level.
Kingston councillors will consider community feedback while assessing the planning application.
The state government, not the federal government, will ultimately decide if the planning application proceeds.
Plans are on display at kingston.vic.gov.au/mentonehotel online or at Kingston Council’s offices at 1230 Nepean Hwy in Cheltenham, 8.30am-5pm weekdays.
Public submissions can be made until 15 December.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 16 November 2016
