Minister to have final say on Ballaarat Gateway precinct

Ballarat councillors have voted to have the planning minister make the final decision on the proposed Ballaarat Gateway precinct.

The newsroom understands the decision to write to the Minister for a call-in decision, subject to consideration of some built form requests, was supported 5 votes to 3 at a planning committee meeting last night.

The precinct would see a new seven-storey building on Lydiard Street North and a five-storey building on Mair Street house offices, a hotel, child-care and retail spaces.

Concerns have been raised over the design of the building and the handing over of planning authority.