The City of Melbourne will appeal the State Government’s decision to grant planning approval for a mixed commercial and residential development at 68—82 Southbank Boulevard in Southbank, Melbourne.
The application for a 62-storey building comprising dwellings, offices, a gym, café, a supermarket and shops was granted a permit by the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden on April 21 this year.
Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee Chair, Councillor Peter Clarke, says the proposed development failed to meet the objectives and requirements of the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
"While generally supporting the architectural quality of the proposal, the height of the proposal of 226 meters is more than double the discretionary height limit," Clarke says.
"Council also objects to the Southbank development on the grounds that it has excessive building bulk, inadequate separation from other towers within the site and relative to future developments, and potential for adverse wind effects."
The City of Melbourne launched the Southbank Structure Plan earlier this month, which recommended that buildings within the precinct remain within the discretionary height limit of 100m to protect the amenity of the area.
"This development is 120 per cent in excess of the discretionary height limit and it is for this reason that Council will make our appeal at VCAT," Clarke says.
The City of Melbourne has lodged an application for review with VCAT.
