The Shayher Group recently took their permit application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after the council failed to make a decision on the permit within the designated 60-day timeframe. The council has now voted to oppose the application at VCAT, arguing that the proposed three storeys higher than the preferred height would make the development too bulky and cast too much shadow. Additionally, the proposal did not include ground-floor commercial or retail space as intended under the master plan for the area. The council’s decision was based on concerns about the bulkiness and shadowing of the proposed development.
The Shayher Group’s planning consultant, Annabel Paul, argued at the meeting that the building heights specified in the master plan were not maximum limits, and plans for retail and commercial space were subject to market conditions. Paul stated that while the overall vision for the Pentridge site included a range of uses, this did not need to apply to every building within the precinct. She emphasized the need for 245 new homes in Coburg, which are necessary due to the housing crisis in the area. The state government has committed to delivering 80,000 homes per year for the next decade to address the housing affordability crisis.
Greens councillor Mark Riley expressed concerns about the proposed development, noting that the design was too high and bulky for the area behind the bluestone walls of Pentridge. He highlighted the impact of imposing buildings on the street and the overall feel of the area. Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton also raised objections to the development, criticizing the lack of unique features in the proposal that would justify going over the height limit solely for financial gain. The historic Pentridge precinct is well-known for incarcerating some of the state’s most infamous criminals, adding a layer of historical significance to the current debate.
The proposed development at Pentridge has generated significant debate and opposition from council members, who are concerned about the impact on the area’s character and the imposition of excessively tall buildings. The Shayher Group’s argument for the necessity of additional housing in Coburg and their assertion that the development is generally in accordance with the master plan have failed to sway council members. The matter is set to return to VCAT on May 31, with the final decision on the permit application and proposed development awaiting further review and deliberation.
The outcome of the ongoing dispute over the permit application and proposed development at Pentridge will have significant implications for the future of the Coburg area. With concerns about the size, bulkiness, and lack of retail and commercial space in the proposal, it is evident that council members are taking a cautious approach to ensure the development aligns with the overall vision for the area. The historical significance of Pentridge as a former correctional facility adds another layer of complexity to the debate, with stakeholders weighing the importance of preserving the site’s heritage against the need for new housing in the community. The decision at VCAT on May 31 will be instrumental in determining the fate of the proposed development and its potential impact on the surrounding area.
