A controversial development proposed for the side of Mt Buninyong has been rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
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The 'Skybarrel' development on the slopes of Buninyong was rejected on Wednesday by VCAT after strong opposition from concerned residents and an objection by the City of Ballarat.
VCAT found the application for 67 Yendon Number 2 Road "will form a major element in the view towards the rising slopes of Mount Buninyong. We say the cabins, by virtue of their shape, siting and configuration, will become an obvious and detracting element in this landscape setting."
"We consider that the proposal is not an acceptable outcome, and that when assessed against all relevant policies it does not, on balance, achieve a net community benefit."
The City of Ballarat had previously refused the application for the development; developer David Penman then elected to take the matter to VCAT.
Under the plans, the so-called barrels would have offered views down across the valley and would be aimed at a high-end tourism market with fees of up to $1,000 a night.
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Four of the barrels would have been grouped together at the north end of the site, including bedrooms, bathrooms and large windows with views south.
A single dwelling on CA3 Yendon No 2 Rd, Buninyong which was exempt from planning approvals under both the zone and overlays has already been constructed on the site.
Dr Anne Beggs-Sunter represented the Buninyong Historical Society in opposing the development at VCAT.
She says the decision is a rare win for the community over developers, and the decision by VCAT vindicates the strong opposition to the barrels taken by Buninyong residents, the CFA, The Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the City of Ballarat.
"It's just good news to have this decision," Ms Beggs-Sunter said.
"I sat through five days of hearings, and to have this at the end is a great relief."
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