Projects
Glossop Town Planning was engaged to represent the Council in an applicant’s appeal against Council’s refusal to amend a permit for a large single storey dwelling to add a relatively small amount of additional height (circa. 1.2m). The additional height triggered a further permit under an overlay.
The dwelling in question was on the banks of the Barwon River with consideration centred on whether the dwelling as a whole, or just the additional height, required consideration and ultimately whether the additional height would produce an acceptable planning outcome in the environs.
Supported by respondents, Hew successfully argued that due to the way the additional height was to be distributed the whole of the dwelling needed to be considered rather than simply the additional 1.2 metres. Further, VCAT agreed with Glossop’s submissions that the amended dwelling as proposed would overwhelm its environs and refused the amendment.
We lodged a s79 Application for Review against Council’s failure to decide an application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The application was for the construction of five dwellings (3 three storey and 2 two storey dwellings) on a site close to the Mooroolbark Activity Centre.
Following lodgement of the appeal, Council determined not to support the application. The grounds included purported Clause 55 non-compliance, achievement of relevant overlay purposes, neighbourhood character and garden area compliance.
Through a Preliminary Hearing process, Hew Gerrard was able to have the question of garden area compliance removed as a ground on the basis the application was exempt. Subsequently, through a Compulsory Conference process, Hew was able to address respondent concerns with minor changes to the built form.
After a contested main Hearing, VCAT quickly ordered the grant of a planning permit with no changes to the building footprint.
We successfully obtained development approval for three townhouses in Merri-bek City Council within the Brunswick Activity Centre. The project highlighted the complex intersection between good urban design and appropriate flood management. Ultimately, we were pleased to negotiate an outcome that satisfied both Melbourne Water and Council. The design prepared by Splinter Society addresses three road frontages and presents a high-quality contemporary response within what is an evolving local context.
Thomastown’s mixed-use Nexus Apartments bring new life to a key urban site, with sculptural architecture and active street edges. Glossop Town Planning guided the project’s development approval through Council, integrating density, amenity, and design excellence to deliver a landmark development for Melbourne’s northern corridor.
The Voco Hotel in Warrenheip represents a five-year planning journey marked by strong community opposition and a VCAT objector appeal. After a considered redesign and resubmission through the Development Facilitation Program via Clause 53.22 ‘Significant Economic Development’, we secured development approval for a 115-room farm-to-plate hotel, brewery, distillery, restaurant, and function centre celebrating regional production and architectural excellence.