Councillors will make a decision on the apartment complex on Wednesday at the first council meeting of 2015, but an arduous legal battle seems inevitable.

“We know we are going to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) whatever the council says,” said Paul Donoghue, who, along with wife Kayelene, live next door to the proposed site. 

The City of Ballarat has received 57 objections to the project since September, with many planning to air their grievances in the council chambers this week. 

The complex at 203 Wendouree Parade, dubbed by residents as a “factory” or the “monster”, will have 13 two-bedroom units and a basement car park. 

Mr Donoghue on Saturday declared his intention to go to the Supreme Court after VCAT and suggested he had sounded out other residents about the proposal.

Mediation meetings between the council, residents and the developer have been fruitless so far, Mr Donoghue said.

“There has been no sign they (council) were going to budge,” he said.

Residents are concerned an imposing structure would detract from the stately surrounds of Wendouree Parade and would introduce unnecessary traffic to the area.

“It would be like having Sturt Street traffic in a quiet street,” said Mr Donoghue, who wasn’t convinced prospective residents would regularly use the proposed underground car park.

“It will ruin a quiet neighbourhood.”

Mr Donoghue said the foundations of his home, built in 1910, would likely be disrupted by works, as would the vegetation in his garden. 

“They’ll be several units looking straight into our bathroom,” he said. 

The Courier contacted developer Vernon Property Trust but a representative could not be reached.

william.vallely@fairfaxmedia.com.au