The City of Port Phillip (CoPP) convened a consultation meeting for the developer and objectors last Tuesday, 23rd March at the Port Melbourne Town Hall. The CoPP's consultation meetings are designed to try and resolve planning issues before they are considered by the Council.
The developer’s representatives attended as did around 11 Objectors. The BCNA representatives attended and spoke to concerns about insufficient on-site parking and overshadowing of the bike and pedestrian paths at the winter solstice as explained in our submission. These and other concerns were raised at a webinar organised by the developer last December.
The developer’s representatives explained that they have addressed some of the concerns of objectors. They specifically mentioned parking within the building for retail staff and have increased the set-back of the building from the boundary to the west. The changes will be incorporated in revised plans to be submitted to Council.
Collectively, objectors mentioned the following: current difficulties of parking in the area and the need for greater parking provision within the building for retail staff and visitors; increased traffic as a result of the development; a 'large mass' building; scale and density not in keeping with the area; overshadowing of bike and pedestrian paths at the winter solstice; building setbacks; impact on heritage railway station; that the building does not reflect the maritime heritage of the area; that the area was planned by Major Projects Victoria and Mirvac to be for low rise community use; and that there is nothing of interest for cruise ship patrons (i.e. no shops for tourists).
All Gateway Ward Councillors attended. The next step is for the developer to submit revised plans. These will be advertised. Another consultation meeting may be held before officers develop recommendations for Council’s Planning Committee.