Lake Gnotuk house build plan rejected by Corangamite Shire Council

Charles and Sophia Palmer had hopes to build a Harkaway Home on the rim of Lake Gnotuk in Camperdown, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounds.

The permit drew support and criticism from both sides, with five objecting on environmental grounds.

The Palmers had garnered 15 letters of approval from neighbouring landowners.

However Corangamite Shire councillors unanimously refused the application, citing a 2004 decision to further protect Lake Gnotuk and Lake Bullen Merri from inappropriate development.

"In 2004 the planning scheme Amendment C8 was introduced in response to local and scientific community pressure to protect the lakes," Cr Geraldine Conheady said.

"This is a unique environment and is well-loved by Corangamite Shire residents and is recognised both nationally and internationally for its environmental, scientific and landscape significance.

"The 109 page report was created to preserve and protect the lake from development that would have an adverse affect.

"The proposed development will be clearly visible from the crater rim being almost seven metres in height and constructed with limestone rock.

"It was public outcry that lead to the C8 Amendment and there has been no new dwelling constructed on the crater rim or slopes since it was introduced in 2004, continuing the preservation of the beautiful asset we have today.

"There would have to be a compelling reason to justify any divergence from that, and for me there's no compelling reason, the decision is clear-cut."

The Cross Forest Road site is 18.68 hectares and is currently used for animal grazing.

It forms part of the crater slope and rim.

The house would have been constructed 16 metres from the rim, with high pitch roofs, a wrap around veranda and solar panels.

In September the applicants were formally told the application could not be supported based on the siting and design of the house, and suggested putting it in a different area.

The applicants did not change the application.

Speaking at Tuesday night's council meeting, Charles Palmer said he and his wife "respecfully disagree" with the council's stance.

"We're an excited, newly-married couple who are energised to join the area.

"We've dropped the roof line, moved the house back and have the veranda facing away from the rim.

"The relative impact to the site would be minimal."

Mrs Palmer said if the house could not be built on the location they wanted it would not be financially viable to continue.

"The neighbours have been nothing but supportive," she said.

"Other neighbouring properties have dwellings so it does not set a precedent."

Deputy mayor Cr Jo Beard said it was council's responsibility to protect the environment.

"We're caretakers, we're here for a short time and the decisions we make can impact the past and future," she said.

"I have tossed and turned over this one, it's undeniable the house and what the Palmers are wanting to build is beautiful, but it all comes down to where it's wanting to be built.

"Concerns were raised because of the impact of new dwellings around the rim, hence why C8 was introduced.

"We've stuck to that so well and would create a precedent - applications that have previously been denied would come back, it would open up the flood gates."

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