General News
30 May, 2023
Port’ Motel expansion approved
CORANGAMITE Shire have approved a planning application for an extension of the Southern Ocean Motor Inn in Port Campbell.
CORANGAMITE Shire have approved a planning application for an extension of the Southern Ocean Motor Inn in Port Campbell.
Four objections were received against the proposal which would see land developed to allow for an additional 16 units and function room.
Shire sustainable development officer Melanie Oborne said the new accommodation would be split into two rows of eight units.
She said the proposal would provide additional tourism accommodation within the Port Campbell township and would assist in promoting visitor length of stay in the region.
“The proposed built form has been designed in response to the site and is respectful of the coastal village character that Port Campbell is known for, with specific construction and operational requirements to protect the amenity and environment which can be covered by permit conditions and management plans,” Ms Oborne said.
She said on balance and having considered the objections, the proposal was supported.
The objections raised a number of points including:
• Visual impacts/view sharing;
• Amenity impacts on residential properties;
• Access and car parking;
• Environmental risks;
• Geotechnical issues; and
• Clarity of information provided in application.
Councillors approved the application after Coastal Ward councillor Jamie Vogels moved an alternate motion which saw the roof height on the back section of the development reduced by 430mm as well as prohibiting the use of steel/metal for the stairwell.
“There is a still a need for more tourism accommodation in Port Campbell,” he said.
“But we still need to listen to the community…hopefully we can work together to achieve something better out of this.”
Cr Kate Makin believed reducing the height would help alleviate concerns about view sharing objectors had raised.
“I think the applicants and planning team should be congratulated for what we’ve got to,” she said.
“It’s been a mammoth effort and think this is a best suit situation for this site.
“I think it’s a great compromise.”
Cr Geraldine Conheady agreed and said the applicants site was in a commercial zone.
“Port Campbell is a tourist town and its prosperity depends on tourism and visitation and it needs new accommodation,” she said.
“We need to be able to attract people for overnight stays in Port Campbell.”
Plans for a 102 unit facility were originally before council in 2003 which represents a sharp decrease on the development project currently in the works.