December 18th, 2023Rooming house application knocked back

The City of Greater Geelong Council’s Planning Committee has refused a Planning Permit application to build a rooming house at 2/380 Ryrie Street, East Geelong.

At 405 square metres, the subject site is vacant after the demolition of a significant Edwardian dwelling and located near Geelong High School and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The double story rooming house was proposed to include eight bedrooms with balconies or courtyards and adjoining ensuites, a common kitchen area and five carparking spaces.

While no planning permit was required under the General Residential Zone, Design and Development Overlay or for the use of the land as a rooming house, the area’s Heritage Overlay triggered a planning permit and assessment.

Fifty-one objections and one letter of support were received, raising concerns around Heritage Overlay compliance, use of the land as a rooming house, parking and neighbourhood character.