By LUKE VOOGT
CONSTRUCTION could begin this year on a four-level motel in The Terrace after the City of Greater Geelong Council issued a planning permit for the project in its latest meeting.
Project developer Mark LeMaistre was pleased with the council’s decision on Thursday 7 April.
“It’s a good result for us – we are hoping we will start construction sometime this year,” he said.
“We feel there’s a real shortage of higher-end accommodation for people looking to stay in Ocean Grove.”
Mr LeMaistre said limited cooking facilities onsite would lead to more business in The Terrace.
“All the patrons will be dining and eating breakfast up the street,” he said.
Mr LeMaistre said he had made some small changes to plans for the project, to address objectors’ and the council’s concerns.
For example, he said, the new plans included a slightly reduced height and better access.
“We addressed the majority of concerns which is why council has supported the project,” he said.
Simon Evans was one of the eight objectors to the project, and spoke at the meeting on their behalf.
“We gave it a valiant try,” he said.
Mr Evans said he would not take matters further, but said getting local residents involved helped develop a more rigorous management plan for the building.
“Hopefully it will be implemented to ensure no noise or annoying behaviour will affect the local residents,” he said.
