THE fight for the future of Charles Street saw a score of residents front a development assessment panel meeting to see off a 93-unit block planned for their street.

The DAP unanimously rejected Salomone Projects’ $28 million plan, saying it was too tall and bulky Vincent mayor John Carey said the big problem was “the bulk to the rear”—referring to an 18-metre-high wall.

Cr Josh Topelberg agreed, saying the front was fine and fitting for Charles Street but not the neighbours at the back.

The owner’s planning hireling Ben Doyle defended the design as being of “astounding quality,” pointing out a rare feat that saw every apartment get sunlight while other big blocks leave some tenants in the shadows.

But the DAP sent them back to the drawing board to work out something without such a big backside.

by DAVID BELL