But the developer is still awaiting the final tick of approval from the City of Ballarat to start construction on the Drummond Street North site. 

Drummond Developments managing director Bruce Edwards said the company was waiting for an endorsement from council, following a ruling at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in January. 

“A planning permit has been issued by VCAT, but with conditions,” Mr Edwards said. 

“We are waiting on final endorsement from council.” 

Preliminary estimates suggest the project will cost between $6 million to $7 million.

The development encountered problems in June last year when the City of Ballarat rejected the proposal after receiving 34 objections. The decision was made on the grounds it would adversely affect the neighbourhood character and heritage, and failed to provide adequate traffic and access arrangements.

But in January VCAT overturned the council decision, ruling that most units would not be visible to Drummond Street North.

Mr Edwards said he did not know when the endorsement would be made or when the development would be completed. 

“We are dealing with this one step at a time,” he said. 

The proposal includes a communal park, barbecue pavilion, eating area, paving, raised lawn, landscaped garden beds and five visitor car parks, while a historically significant house fronting Creswick Road will be retained.

“It is an outstanding development,” he said. 

               kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au