A 46.5 metre development has extreme impact on immediate neighbours and they have a particularly important role in the community consultation process.  Presenting argument at hearings about the impact such as overshadowing and overlooking often needs the assistance of experts who can draw up and explain the potential impacts.

For example, when the height limits across the site as requested in C75 (application for a planning scheme amendment) is marked on the street map and the 9am mid winter solstice (21st June) shadow diagram calculated, the effect on the existing neighbourhood can be starkly seen below.

Also it can be seen from the shadow diagrams that the town houses proposed within the Former Port Phillip Woollen Mill Site development proposal will be severely overshadowed and overlooked.  The developer told a meeting in Williamstown in June that the town houses designs are similar to terrace housing of the 19th Century which did not have private open space.  (Our comment “maybe like the back-to-back terraces of northern England and Ireland which have been pulled down in many instances because of their appalling living conditions!!) However even those back-to-back terraces did not have 46.5 metre towers of appartments rising out of their midst and towering above them.  The only dwellings in the proposal with any “quality of life” are likely to be the luxury apartments from floor 4 upwards and penthouses - this where the developer will make huge profits.

Save Williamstown Shadow Movie.wmv

A movie showing the impact of overshadowing throughout the calendar year will be displayed soon. Watch this space!

We need planners and residents advocates to help nearby residents to prepare their objections.

Please email

Those in Cecil St and Kanowra St who will be impacted by this development have formed a group The Cecilians to share their concerns and determine appropriate alternatives.  To contact this group please email: