Last week the community forum hosted by 3228RA and Independent candidate for South Barwon Damien Cole, attracted around 50 people. We would like to thank those who attended at such short notice. Amongst the attendees were Councilor Martin Duke, Corinna Eccles representing the Wadawurrung traditional owners the developer Martyn Barnes and Darren Cheeseman who is the Labor candidate for South Barwon.

From the questions raised and comments made, it was obvious that there is concern not only from residents but also some business owners in Bell St who fear their businesses will be greatly impacted by the proposed 20 months of construction if the proposal proceeds.

Common concerns voiced were:

- Height and bulk of the building

- 5 storeys in an area where the Design and Development overlay prescribes 2 storey up to 7.5m.

- Parking, in particular request to reduce the 263 prescribed car spaces by 74 and use of the public road reserve for hotel parking.

- Noise from the roof top terrace bar from 7.00am to 12.00 midnight.

- Overshadowing of neighbours

- Possible damage to neighbouring buildings during construction

- Another large hotel is not needed with 2 of the large hotels already struggling.

Positive comment from 1 participant:- Employment in Torquay would be increased

- Developer felt the building was “iconic” and so would enhance Torquay.

Concern from current businesses in Bell St that their businesses would be adversely impacted by the 20 months of construction.

Issues -doesn’t conform with our Planning Scheme - the development site is covered with a Design and Development Overlay - DDO7 - which prescribes a 7.5m building height and a 2storey limit. The proposal is up to 5 storeys plus lift well extension taking the height to 20m, almost 3 times the official height limit for this site.

Objections close on Thursday 18th October at 5.00pm. To make an objection please use the below link:

Application number: 18/0419

Address: 2-4 Geelong Road and 48-50 Bell Street, Torquay

https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Property/Planning/View-applications-or-make-a-submission/Applications-on-public-exhibition