The Werribee South Ratepayers Association is alarmed by plans for a 19-metre high dry boat storage building at Wyndham Harbour.
Vice-president Marisa Berton said members had been shocked to discover the proposed height of the facility, which is expected to provide storage for up to 390 boats and be located at the southern end of the marina.
Ms Berton said she feared the building – which she estimates could reach five or six storeys – would interfere with Wyndham Harbour’s city views and be an eyesore.
“It’s way out of character for the area at that height,” she said. “They’re going to have to be really sensitive about how they design it … it’s going to really stand out.
“The view line to the city from the coastal footpath should be preserved in the overall project for the good of public enjoyment and sight lines to the You Yangs are also important.”
Wyndham Harbour marina manager Darren Finkelstein said the location and height of the planned building had been determined following a “rigorous” planning process by Wyndham council in 2008.
“The location of the building was carefully positioned so no residents will have their city views impacted,” he said.
Wyndham economy director Kate Roffey said Wyndham Harbour management had lodged pre-application plans for the building.
“The dry boat store forms part of the marina service area, which is currently being designed by the developer,” Ms Roffey said.
“Any planning application submitted for the marina service area, including [the] dry boat store, would be assessed on its merits
with reference to the Wyndham Planning Scheme, including the endorsed Wyndham Harbour Development Plan and Design Guidelines.
“The endorsed Wyndham Harbour Design Guidelines state that the indicative building is anticipated to be 19 metres, which is the height required to enable the rise in boat stacks to be between four and five metres.”
