Hollywood motel refused

The proposed redevelopment of the old Hollywood motel in Cowes West has been unanimously refused by Bass Coast Shire councillors.

Councillors agreed with shire planning officers in refusing the planning permit, which sought to expand the current 24-room site – on the corner of Church Street and Justice Road – with an additional 28 rooms and a 100-guest function centre.

The permit sought the removal of most of the historic cypress trees that fringe the property and a reduction in the car parking requirement of 15 spaces.
About 20 Cowes residents objected to the motel, which once accommodated Hollywood stars Fred Astaire, Ava Gardner and Gregory Peck.

Planning officers at last week’s council meeting recommended refusal because of a lack of parking, saying the proposal was also an over-development of the land.
However one of the key issues was the failure of the motel owners to prove the business had been operating as a motel without ceasing for more than two years, as required by “existing use rights” legislation.

Cr David Rooks said he had driven past the motel – built in the 1950s – for more than two decades.

“I’ve not seen it active in that time and one of the reasons we’re knocking it back is because of existing rights,” Cr Rooks said.
Councillors were also critical that developers had flagged they could make changes to the plans to take on community concerns.

“The developer could make changes but we’re yet to see that on the plan,” Cr Michael Whelan said.
Cr Leticia Laing was critical of last-minute lobbying by the developers.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to get emails 20 minutes before a council meeting,” Cr Laing said.
“I don’t think it’s a good precedent for the community to send last-minute correspondence in support of an application.”

VCAT
Owners last year took the shire to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for failure to make a decision on the application within the legal timeframe.
VCAT mediation was held on December 15 last year with five objectors, with a VCAT hearing scheduled for April 8, 9 and 12 this year.

According to the planning permit application, the redevelopment price tag was $850,000.

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