Dear friends, You are probably aware that the Becton Corporation has submitted plans to the City of Port Phillip to build a 38 storey residential apartment block behind the Espy. The application takes the form of a proposed amendment to the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. It requests an increase in height limit from 18 metres to 125 metres and removal of all existing heritage and conservation controls. The application includes 'concept plans', but no detailed plans; these would be drawn up once the amendment is approved. In effect it is a request for carte blanche approval to Becton to build anything it wants within 125 metres. Part of the amendment removes all legal mechanisms for further public notice, objection and appeal. I probably don't need to say that the implications of this new style of planning are far-reaching. Public submissions to the proposed amendment close tomorrow (Friday). Just a few words will register your submission. They will also entitle you to be informed of subsequent events, and to a berth in the likely panel hearings next year should you choose to pursue the matter further. (There is no obligation for you to participate in the hearings if you submit comment now. Any comment you make will simply register you as another voice). If you have not already made comment, please take the time to jot down a few words. Make reference to Amendment L68, for 11 The Upper Esplanade, St Kilda, say whatever you wish, sign it, include address if you want to, and fax to: Richard Schuster City of Port Phillip fax: 9209 6224 With thanks, Kate Shaw School of Social Science and Planning Faculty of Constructed Environment, RMIT University GPO Box 2476V Melbourne 3001 phone +61 3 9925 1869 facsimile +61 3 9925 1855
