“It’s just really disappointing to a lot of the community that love Frankston and really appreciate what it has to offer,” she said.

But Urban DC owner Danny Ciarma said the tribunal ruling was a watershed moment for Frankston and would improve the range of housing options available to buyers.

“Developers will have confidence. Buyers will have confidence,” he said. “I’ve been inundated by calls from buyers.”

Ciarma rejected opponents’ criticisms that his project was too exposed to rising sea levels and inundation, arguing it was on higher ground than many other properties in lower-lying parts of Frankston.

The tribunal noted Frankston City Council had already approved an 11-storey mixed-use development just north of the Harbour building’s proposed site, therefore “considered the amenity impacts on the adjoining residential area” as acceptable.

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“We note that council has already approved a building of similar height and scale and thus considered the amenity impacts on the adjoining residential area is acceptable,” the tribunal stated.

In July, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced a ban on buildings above three storeys along a key stretch of the Nepean Highway in Frankston, before reversing the decision three months later.

When the ban expired in October last year, newly gazetted planning controls stated there was a “preferred” 12-storey height limit on the strip.

Frankston Mayor Nathan Conroy praised the tribunal decision, saying the development would make a welcome addition to Frankston.

He said businesses in Frankston’s central business district were starved of foot traffic and desperately needed more customers. Conroy said the Harbour development also provide greater housing diversity, which was much needed.

“This is going to bring close to 200 people straight into the city centre,” he said.

Kilkenny was contacted for comment.

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