Williamstown residents have applauded Hobsons Bay council’s rejection of a 39-dwelling, three-storey apartment block they said would create a “future slum”.
Probus Built applied for a permit to demolish two houses to build its apartment block and a basement carpark at 25-27 Champion Road, Williamstown North.
The developer estimated the average price per dwelling at about $525,000, with the overall development expected to house as many as 98 people.
Objector Trevor Smith said the developer had presented no engineering study for building a massive basement with no bedrock.
“We could end up with a sink hole, as in Glen Waverley, which would be a disaster,” he said.
“Neighbours all over Melbourne are selling together to developers and this infill will continue,” Mr Smith said.
“Williamstown is her own worst enemy, as she’s very attractive and ripe for exploitation.”
Cr Paul Morgan said the design, scale and bulk of the proposed development were inappropriate.
“We have high standards, and this application fell well short of the quality architecture that would be expected.”
Cr Angela Altair said it was important to strike a balance between the density of new development and respecting neighbourhood character.
Hansen Partnership, acting for the developer, has 60 days to lodge an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It did not respond to Star Weekly before going to press.
