This heritage three-storey hotel on the corner of Spensley and Berry Streets in East Clifton Hill is the subject of development plan to demolish all but the facades and add additional storeys. The City of Yarra Planning Decisions Committee will consider the application tonight. Follow this link to view the meeting:
https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/events/2021/10/27/planning-decisions-committee
The development proposal is to demolish the Royal Hotel in its entirety except for the north and east facade walls and to redevelop the site with a six-storey (including rooftop amenities) complex of modern apartments.
CITY OF YARRA
PLANNING DECISIONS COMMITTEE RESOLUTION – 27 OCTOBER 2021
Moved: Cr de Vietri Seconded: Cr Stone
That having considered all submissions and relevant planning policies, the Committee resolves to advise the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that had it been in the position to, it would have issued a Notice of Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit PLN19/0426 for part demolition of the existing building and construction of a multi-storey building, use of the land for dwellings and a reduction in the car parking requirements associated with a hotel (no permit required for use) at 35-41 Spensley Street, Clifton Hill, subject to the following grounds:
1. The proposed extent of demolition is excessive, fails to retain elements that contribute to the importance of the heritage place and will negatively impact upon its heritage significance. This is contrary to clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay) and the policies at clauses 15.03, 21.05, 21.09 and 22.02 of the Yarra Planning Scheme.
2. The proposed development does not appropriately respond to the ‘Individual Significance’ of the building and fails to protect and enhance the heritage place. This is contrary to the clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay) and the policies at clauses 15.03, 21.05 and 22.02 of the Yarra Planning Scheme.
3. The building height and upper level setbacks result in an overbearing development and will be contrary to the built form character of the area.
4. The proposal does not achieve an acceptable standard of Environmentally Sustainable Design, including minimising the use of energy and natural resources in construction and operation, adequate stormwater infiltration or collection, or electric vehicle charging facilities.
5. The proposed development would result in unreasonable visual bulk and overshadowing impacts, particularly to those at No. 33 Lilly Street and No. 31 Berry Street.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY