10-14 Harding Street, Portarlington, VIC

As a former resident with sentimental ties to the area, I object to this application on the grounds that it will block out the views from two storey properties located behind the proposed 4-storey build, devaluing them by putting their bay views at risk. Given the sheer size of the build, adequate remedy could not be supplied to every house whose view will be obscured.

As for the developers claim the housing design is to 'fulfill a demand for housing,' what guarantee does the developer provide that these proposed apartments will not be turned into airbnbs instead?

Four storey residential has no place in Portarlington where two storey is the rule for residential as per Geelong City Council residential planning.

A new restaurant/cafe would be great for the town, especially as the population grows.

I agree with some of the developers points regarding this development regarding providing housing and accomodation to visitors, and I’m glad that a part of Portarlingtons history will be keep and utilised with in this development… Yes the town has to progress and I’m in favour of modern developments, but I do feel that anything above 2 stories in a residential area will detract and be unsympathetic to the town..
thank you..

I have reviewed the plans for development and agree with the need for housing and great to have another cafe option for our town.

I do however feel 4 storeys in a residential street is too much and will impact the local neighbours nearby but also the feeling of our small town.

I agree that we need more accomdation in the town especially with the Ferry
and another cafe/restaurant would be welcomed.
I don't however agree to the development being 4 storey high....l feel it will take
away the Town history/feeling. If it is this high it would stand out as an eye sore
and would look out of place in a residential area.

Unfortunately the long delay with the State Government legislation to protect the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula (DAL) has enabled yet another inappropriate development to be proposed.
Portarlington does not need the four storey apartments proposed for 10-14 Harding Street It does need more affordable housing for families and the elderly. It does need to maintain a balance of long term residents, newcomers and visitors to sustain it's strong sense of community.
To encourage residents to shop locally more car parking in the shopping centre is required. With the increase in traffic generated by development safety upgrades on access roads to Portarlington is a priority.

4 storeys is not acceptable.

Whilst I don't object to the land being used for some dwellings and eatery constructed in a style sympathetic to the surrounds, a four storey development would negatively impact the aesthetic of the town and negatively impact the surrounding residents.

Four storeys will create a large visual bulk in an area that currently doesn't have that. It also doesn't feel like it fits with the town vibe. I do think another eatery and drinks venue will be a good edition to the town, however 31 dwellings, seems a large number that will create additional street busy-ness on top of a new venue business and extra parking required for patrons, residents and their visitors in a street that is pretty quiet currently.

Hello
Once 4 stories go up it will be a precedent and Will probably start happening all over portarlington and detract from the village it is proposed to be.

Portarlington has a homely, cosy relaxing feel and outlook, once large multi story apartment blocks go up this relaxing, village feel is reduced and it may become a busy suburban suburb with no village feel that has made port so interesting and a special place to visit.

I think many people who buy in portarlington and surrounds such as indented head and st Leonard’s like the relaxed, calming feeling and not the large hustle and bustle of apartment blocks.

Please don’t allow 4 story dwellings. Thanks for your consideration.

4 storey in a such a quiet residential area is just not acceptable. 31 apartments squished on this site is beyond acceptable. We must acknowlege immediate & surrounding residents who will directly feel the impact of extra traffic & visitor parking. Summer traffic around there will be a nightmare. This chunk of a building does not blend with immediate surrounds, village atmosphere or area asthetics. We chose to live here for a reason. We do not want to become Torquay or Lorne. There is a need for other retail outlets which should take priority, we already have an abundance of fine & varied eateries. I'm all for progress but surely somewhere like Panorama/Tower Rd would be more appropriate & would meet with acceptance.

The reason we love Portarlington is because it isn't overdeveloped (yet) like Ocean Grove and Torquay. The wonderful thing about Portarlington is its quaintness and warm community. Whilst I understand the economics of development, it is rarely beneficial for the wider community as a whole, because developers have been found to be wanting when it comes to paying for the wider infrastructure improvements in the town. There is also the fact that these large developments not only change the appearance of the town, but this one will especially overshadow and block out the sun to our RSL with its memorial to fallen local veterans, and I'm of the belief that there is a policy to avoid any building negating sun on these types of memorials.

Why do they always not provide enough carparks for for these developments 31 dwellings and food outlets the streets will be over run by parked cars.

Happy for development but should be 2 storey. Accommodation should be for permanent residence not air bnb. Is it possible to include this in permit. Too many buildings not permanently occupied.

Regarding this proposed development. I believe if built, it would impact negatively and greatly on the residents of the area, including placing too much traffic on a residential street and corner.
Four stories is excessive and out of character for the Portarlington residential address. Two storey height is the rule for residential in Geelong City Council residential planning and should be adhered to in Portarlington also.
31 apartments is much too high density for the space. Eco and energy sustainability should be considered, and more strictly enforced for new developments. Less apartments would be better. Incorporating more cross ventilation, green space/ green roof/ trees would be more suitable.
I do however support the retaining and repurposing of the old church hall.
Thankyou.

Four stories is too high for this area. Don’t object to the proposal, I just have an objection to the height. Should be enough parking spaces to keep the roads clear also.
Need to see the plans.

I don’t agree with the new plan. Residential area. No consideration for the surrounding residents. Congestion. Four stories. Why are we even allowing these plans to be considered.

Current resident living extremely close to the proposed site.

Personally think the units are really beautifully designed and think the cafe inclusion is extremely considered, with careful integration of the existing building. Would be really happy to see new business here giving the growing influx of tourism (as you can't get a table anywhere on the weekends atm!).

Think there could be a compromise on the height and total number of units; however will watch with interest around the developments of 20 Newcombe etc; I think that will create a precedent around height/total number of units.

I disagree with a proposed 4 storey building for this site - and for Portarlington in general. If it were to go ahead it would set a precedent for further inappropriate development in the area. I agree with an earlier comment that the type of housing needed for Portarlington is affordable, permanent options for low income residents. This type of development cannot ensure that the accomodation proposed won't end up being temporary visitor accomodation - of which there is already ample.

These are very tiny apartments which, in my opinion, will only lend themselves to being holiday accommodation. There is very limited parking in the proposal and cars will be lining the streets. I also don't support any 4 storey developments in Portarlington and agree with the council's preferred suggestion of 3 storeys with the third storey setback.

I am opposed to the proposed 4 storey commercial/ residential development on Harding Street in 1-2 storey residential area. The bulk of the building would impact on the neighbouring residences and the commercial site would set a precedent for other development in residential areas.

Portarlington does need affordable housing for families and the elderly and this complex , especially on its affordability , is unlikely to provide this.

I am concerned that precedents set elsewhere by Council are used by developers to ignore the height features in planning. The Heritage document submitted in the Bryce Raworth letter of 15 November 2021 refers to “ …..higher degree urban density emerging along Newcombe Street ( up to 5 storeys ). The proposed 4 storey scale of development can be accommodated without unacceptable impact on the heritage building or the broader Harding and Fenwick Streetscape contexts.”
It also refers to the 1-2 storey height of the residential area.

Portarlington residents know that significant community action resulted in Council’s decision to reject a 4-storey development in Newcombe Street in 2021 and that the 5 story building in Newcombe Street is next door to the heritage Grand Hotel and is not a stand alone structure as proposed in this development.