Evolving Port

Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend change. Houses are changed or demolished and new forms of housing take their place. Port Houses records some of these changes.

09 January 2011

220 Esplanade East, Port Melbourne

2013

The completed development from Esplanade East.

220 Esplanade East, Port Melbourne, 2013





There was a magnificent magnolia tree in the front yard of 220 Esplanade East, and some mature silky oaks to the rear of the site.


April 2011

On 29 April 2011, VCAT ordered that Council's decision to refuse the application be set aside. A permit was granted for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of of four two storey dwellings.

Here are some conditions on the permit that may be of interest:

Condition 7. Prior to the completion of the development two trees (Angophora costata) must be planted to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority [Council] in the Esplanade East centre median in the vicinity of the subject site, at a cost to be borne by the applicant.

Condition 12. Privacy screens as required in accordance with the endorsed plans must be installed prior to occupation of the building to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority and maintained thereafter to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. 

Here is some of the reasoning behind VCAT's determination which is relevant to many situations in Port Melbourne.

Reasons

25. The proposed building ... is also designed to present a firm and noticeable modern aspect to the front street. It is not unique in that respect. So modern an aspect does not mimic the remaining Victorian and Edwardian residential buildings of the area, but mimicry is a poor approach to infill development. The proposal would make a more positive contribution than the existing dwelling on the review site and, whilst being noticeable, would not, in my opinion be overly dominant or overbearing.

Heritage
28. There is no heritage value in the building to be demolished. The only question is whether the proposal unduly detracts from other buildings of heritage interest of the area more broadly. In my opinion it is acceptable from these points of view.

Neighbourhood character
29 ... It is ... a question of how this proposal would fits into its streetscape and its neighbourhood, in terms of its existing neighbourhood character. That neighbourhood character is no longer exclusively represented by the original development of the area. It is now rather various with variety of infills and redevelopments from several periods, including modern ones. I consider the proposal to be quite suitable from the neighbourhood character point of view. Indeed, it makes a positive contribution to the neighbourhood, the streetscape and the area, a more positive contribution than with the existing building on the site. 

Overdevelopment
30 I do not regard the proposal as an overdevelopment of this site, although it might be considered that in some other contexts. ... this is a closely settled inner suburb where town houses of this sort are acceptable. I regard this proposal as being acceptable in terms of its setbacks and site coverage.'

VCAT REFERENCE NO P2558/2010, APPLICATION NO 166/2010


January 2011

Port Phillip Council considered, and refused, this application in August 2010. It had been recommended for approval by Council's planner. 


220 Esplanade East, Port Melbourne, January 2011

The application involves
  • the demolition of the existing post-war house and removal of 4 Grevillea robusta ['silky oak'] trees on the McCormack St boundary. Tree removal does not require a planning permit. The construction of 4, two storey dwellings
  • dwellings 1 and 2 on the western side of the allotment with garages, vehicle access and front entrances off Esplanade East 
  • dwellings 3 and 4 on the western side of the allotments with garages, vehicle access and front pedestrian entry off McCormack St.
The application is now before VCAT.

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