Yarra City Council has lodged an objection on heritage grounds against the proposed redevelopment of the historic Dimmeys site in Cremorne.

In a submission to Heritage Victoria, the council claims the proposed 11-storey building is “top heavy” and detracts from the landmark Dimmeys clocktower.

However, architect John Armsby told Architecture & Design that the building was meant to be “a background for the tower”.

One of the project’s most significant challenges was to create a building with a level of interest without having it compete with the clock, he said in a previous report.

But Mayor Cr Jane Garrett is arguing that the proposal fails to preserve the building’s cultural heritage, objecting mainly to its scale and proportion.

“This stunning building which tells us so much about Melbourne’s cultural history deserves protection,” Garrett said.

“We don’t believe the applicant is safeguarding that legacy,” she said.

The design proposes to retain the main façade and clocktower of the Swan Street building, and to construct two apartment buildings at the rear, one of which rises to 11-storeys. Garrett said this plan would diminish the integrity of the American Romanesque building.

“Council has objected on the grounds that the proposed 11-storey building is top-heavy, and would detract from the landmark qualities of the Dimmeys clocktower,” she said.

The revised proposal fails to provide improved views of the clocktower, when compared to a previous application for one nine-storey building that was wider at the rear, Garrett said.

The previous application was withdrawn in mid-2009 to undertake a redesign, and submitted this new proposal to Heritage Victoria in mid-December. The new proposal is yet to be lodged with council.

While Heritage Victoria will decide whether the proposal is suitable from a heritage perspective, the council will consider its urban design qualities, impact on the amenity of the surrounding area and car parking provisions.

Council is planning to publically exhibit the designs, once they are submitted.