Sky high? Community lines up against barrel proposal

An ambitious multi-million dollar Buninyong project has been met with derision from parts of the community before it has even had its planning application assessed.

The double-storey mounted 'Skybarrels', which could be constructed on the side of the extinct volcano given planning approval, are the latest ambitious project by the small team behind the multi-award winning Clifftop at Hepburn.

"The application is constructed with an arrogant disregard for the natural amenity of the area."Phillip Smith

However, members of the community and the Buninyong and District Community Association (BDCA) have voiced their concerns about the proposal.

In a statement, BDCA president Gayle Adams said the project is 'inappropriate' for the proposed site on Yendon No 2 Rd.

"In Buninyong there is widespread community concern about the impact of the proposed 'barrels' development to be sited on the southern slopes of Mount Buninyong," she said in a statement.

"Given this concern, the Buninyong and District Community Association (BDCA) has lodged a detailed objection to the planning application on the basis of its being an inappropriate development for the proposed site which is an area of historical and environmental significance."

These sentiments were echoed by resident Phillip Smith, who wrote to The Courier outlining his concerns regarding the application.

"Mt Buninyong is one of the highest scoria volcanic cones in Victoria and an area of natural beauty," he said.

"The rhetoric riddled blurb (in the planning application) suggests that the project can be an asset to the communities of Buninyong, Ballarat and Victoria and even goes on to say it would be a worldwide attraction.

"The application is constructed with an arrogant disregard for the natural amenity of the area."

The 5 star luxury accommodation has been said to provide a completely different type of romantic getaway in the Ballarat region.

The project is awaiting planning approval from the City of Ballarat, though the Skybarrels are already on the market.

The $4.7 million Skybarrels project is expected to create 50 jobs during construction and then 10 ongoing jobs once constructed.

David Penman, the creator of the project, said the Skybarrels could be built in 7 months following planning approval.

The villas are currently on the market and are being sold as luxury investments by Belle Property's Nathan Skewes.

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