THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has rejected a proposal to grant a planning permit for a ten storey apartment building in Patterson Lakes.
Two 10 storey developments had been planned at the Cove site in Patterson Lakes, including a 66 dwelling building for 64 Pier One Drive, and a 142 dwelling building for 54 Pier One Drive. A three storey building with 28 dwellings had also been planned for 115A McLeod Road.
The VCAT decision concerned the proposal for 64 Pier One Drive. The tribunal refused permission for a car parking reduction and use of the site for a 10-storey building.
At a special meeting on 14 October, Kingston Council called an investigation into the planning process at the Patterson Lakes site. They voted unanimously to approve a motion that read that “council [will] make public all information relating to the development applications in the CDZ and Endeavour Cove precinct that is possible noting many residents already have some of the information through disclosure in the VCAT proceedings” and that “officers [will] have a scoping session at a councillor information session to draft a review and enhancement of process relating to the management of such planning applications, and accountability within the organisation and that the lawyer handling the investigation be invited to be involved (“Investigation called into Cove developments”, The News, 30/10/19)
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said “council had refused planning permission in May 2019.”
“This is a massive win for the Patterson Lakes community who have been loud and clear that they do not support overdevelopment in their community,” she said.
“Council stood by the 130 residents who objected to the plans and we are thrilled that the tribunal has ruled in our favour.”
The VCAT decision comes amid reports that a new lease has been struck to keep the Cove Hotel operating into the future.
Carrum Patterson Lakes Forum founder Cameron Howe said on social media that the pub had been “saved”.
“The Cove Hotel building and its car park both faced redevelopment, however both are now preserved,” he said.
“MRC have thanked objectors and say that the public pressure assisted with the deal.”
Melbourne Racing Club was contacted for comment.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone New – 25 December 2019
