Members may be aware of the proposal for a development behind Strappers in the Bottom Shops. This is for four retail properties and four residences above with a total of 12 double bedrooms in a gable roof configuration. There is limited parking provided. Height poles have now been erected and they give an indication of the height (9.58 meters) and mass of the proposal.
AIDA has objected to this development to Council based on bulk, height and overdevelopment of this restricted site, plus the proposed reduction to car parking requirements.
We have instead proposed a modification of plans to a limit of 3 retail properties and 3 dwellings which is more appropriate to the site and character of the area.
The proposed development would be considerably higher than any of the other buildings at the Bottom Shops, including 89 Great Ocean Road at the Fairhaven end of the Shops. (The height of this development was reduced after a VCAT Hearing.)
We are also urging soil assessment prior to commencement of works as the old hardware store – now Strappers – had petrol bowsers and underground tanks in place which may have leached to cause soil contamination.
There is still time to lodge an objection, and we urge members to visit the site, view the height poles, and assess the impact of this proposal on the Bottom Shops character and provide your views to Council.
If further information is required, contact Surf Coast Planning
at planning@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or AIDA Committee member Barbara Fletcher.
Charlotte Allen
President