The proposal will dramatically transform the 2465m2 site on the corner of Point Lonsdale and Lawrence roads, currently home to the BP service station, and according to the applicants - Sincock Planning Pty Ltd and David McDonald Builders - would address demand for housing in the town.
The proposed $3.5 million development, designed by SPL Architects, is for “three distinct building forms,” fronting Point Lonsdale Road, and a basement car park comprising 24 parking spaces.
Five two-bedroom dwellings would sit above the shops. A further seven two-level, three-bedroom townhouses will be located at the rear of the property - each less than 8.5 metres high and will featuring roof-top gardens.
Retail spaces will be 115m2 in size, with pedestrian access from Point Lonsdale Road.
A carpark at the front of the building will provide an additional 13 spaces for commercial visitors.
The land is currently zoned for mixed use and is subject to a design and development overlay aimed at protecting significant Port Phillip and Swan Bay views, local environment and neighbourhood character.
According to the application, the proposal was “consistent with the zone, overlay and policy framework of the planning scheme,” and would meet a demand for “higher density and diversity housing “in the location.
“[It] is consistent with the strategic outcomes sought by the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme, and the proposal provides for a well-designed mixed-use development that will respect and complement the coastal character of the town whilst providing a medium density development and greater housing choice for residents,” it said.
“This site is the only mixed-use zone in the municipality and the desire to provide a high-quality form of housing and appropriate density without under developing the land has been achieved. The site was nominated for mixed-use development given its two street abuttals and convenient access to the beach, other shops and services and public bus transport within the township.