by Michaela Meade
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) have granted a planning permit to developers of a controversial Westmeadows hotel proposal.
The building proposal for a residential hotel at 11-17 Ardlie Street, Westmeadows, which included partial demolition and works within a heritage overlay, was refused by Hume council in April.
The proposal was met with 252 objections from residents, including a petition with 679 signatures.
The developers appealed the council’s decision, taking the proposal to VCAT.
After a five day hearing, VCAT handed down its ruling on Tuesday, December 7.
VCAT has resolved to grant the permit for the hotel, which will be four storeys, and include a cafe.
In the ruling, VCAT said the foyer included in the plans must be “pulled back” into the hotel building, and that the top floor facing Ardlie Street must be made “more recessive”.
VCAT said it appreciated the community’s concern for the development, but that the plans were a “very good outcome”.
“We accept that the site is in a sensitive area, but conclude that the building’s height, size and appearance is a very good response to this sensitivity,” VCAT said.
“We find that the activity associated with a residential hotel is a good fit because it is more subdued than many commercial uses.
“As well as this, it will provide modest benefits like local employment and possibly some discretionary spending (like a meal at the Westmeadows Tavern or some incidental purchases at the nearby shops).”
Hume councillor Naim Kurt told Star Weekly that while VCAT’s decision was “disappointing”, some of the amendments were small wins for the community.
“Although disappointing, [VCAT] has decided to reduce the hotel’s foyer and top level, to ensure better site lines are maintained towards the heritage building,” Cr Kurt said.
“This is a good outcome and wouldn’t have been achieved without the community speaking up.”
