On the casting vote of its mayor, the contentious plan submitted by Sincock Planning, in the seaside resort of Torquay, 97km southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, has been approved.
“I invite you to understand that I make this decision balancing the needs of the community, and the environment and in context of the limitations of our planning scheme,” Mayor Liz Pattison said.
The proposal includes construction of a clubhouse, 120 independent living units, and three apartment buildings comprising 16 one-bed apartments and 60 two-bed apartments. There are 355 car park places across the site, as well as various resident facilities such as a bowling green, swimming pool and gym.
Jedi Building Group Managing Director Nick Abbott, also Founder of SDA Fund Australia, welcomed the decision.
“We reduced the building to double-storey only apartments and resident recreation facilities on the roof reduced from an initial four-storey design,” he said.
“It is a win for the region with an ageing population finding it hard to find suitable accommodation where they live.
“With other villages sold out in the region, this style of accommodation is a much-needed affordable living outcome for residents.”
There is a separate proposal related to the retirement village to remove a portion of public land nearby. Council provided in-principle support for the land sale in February 2022, reiterating its intent to sell the land in February 2023 and sought community feedback on the decision.
Council will determine the sale of the land and the discontinuance of a road at an upcoming Council meeting.
