Beacon Cove is unique in that it is a planned estate. It was developed by Mirvac with the Victorian Government from the mid-1990s. The BCNA’s view is that the best way to preserve the features that we value is for all developments to comply with the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. If necessary, the BCNA objects to developments that threaten integrity of the planned estate as explained here.
The BCNA objected to the original plans for 81 Beacon Vista in May 2021 as we believed they did not comply with the Neighbourhood Character Overlay Schedule 3 of the planning scheme as explained here. In response to concerns raised by the BCNA and others, amended plans were submitted to Council. The amended plans removed the second storey addition to the tower, increased the setbacks to the south elevation, reduced the extent of the ground floor extension and nominated the location of the pool equipment cupboard and air conditioning units. The amended plans were re-advertised. Further objections were raised about the form and height of the roof of the first-floor level additions, the projection of the garage and overshadowing to the south. Following a consultation meeting in September, the applicant agreed to change the form and reduce the height of the first-floor level roof.
At its meeting on 8 December, the City of Port Phillip's (council's) Planning Committee approved the amended plans. The BCNA welcomes the improvements to design but is disappointed that the council has approved the garage being brought forward as it contravenes the objectives of Neighbourhood Character Overlay Schedule 3 which seeks to minimise the visibility of garages on Beacon Vista.