The stoush over the so-called "sky barrels" project in Buninyong is set to go on for several more months.
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Three further hearing dates have now been scheduled from July 5 to 7 following a series of online sessions at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week.
The two commissioners adjudicating the case are also due to come up and consider the project in person.
Developer David Penman's proposal to build five luxury, single-bedroom 'barrels' on the foothills of Mount Buninyong has been controversial since its details were first made public.
While some in the tourism industry have welcomed the plan, under which the skybarrels would be built overlooking Moorabool Shire, it has met fierce opposition among Buninyong residents.
The initial planning application drew 57 objections from the local community, with five people submitting in favour of the plans.
Mr Penman, who also runs the Clifftop at Hepburn accommodation, put forward the plans in June last year.
Ahead of the VCAT hearing, lawyers representing Mr Penman wrote to objectors with proposed changes, including a proposal saying he was prepared to reduce the height of the largest barrel from 16-metres to 10 metres in line with the four others.
Objectors said the amendments made no difference to their intention to contest the project.
The online VCAT hearing was held across four days beginning May 17, with commissioners hearing experts present on behalf of the developer.
In March, The Courier reported that one of the structures proposed in the planning application was already being built.
On land larger than four hectares within a Rural Living Zone, landowners are allowed to build a single residence without building approval. There was no suggestion any building regulations were broken.
The scaffolding surrounding the existing structure, at the address at 67 Yendon Number 2 Road, has now been taken down, with the floor now apparently installed.
In February, councillors voted unanimously to oppose the project, adopting the position council planning officers recommended should be taken to VCAT proceedings.
Among the reasons for taking the stance, officers argued it was "inconsistent with planning policy which... seeks to ensure development respects the valued areas of rural character", as well as impacting "key view lines."
The council officer's report also suggested there was not enough information on whether appropriate access could be built to meet CFA requirements, and whether the site could contain a suitable effluent management system.
The developer began the process of taking Ballarat City Council to VCAT last October for failure to respond to the planning application within the statutory time frame.
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