The leading private operator of retirement villages bought the former Caroline Chisholm Retirement Village, which included 52 aged care beds across seven buildings, in 2017.

Three years later, RetireAustralia sought to build 93 dwellings in two buildings (29 independent living apartments and 64 assisted care apartments).  One building was to be eight storeys, and the other building was to be seven storeys.

The site compatibility statement by North Sydney Planning on 7 October 2020 specified that the development must have one six-storey or 18m tower and a four-storey or 12m building.

In October last year, new plans by architects Jackson Teece complied with two buildings of six storeys and four storeys for eight one-bedroom apartments, 35 two-bedroom units and 9 three-bedroom apartments. There was to be a basement car park for 54 vehicles, The Source reported last month.

At a meeting on 16 August, Sydney North Planning Panel unanimously rejected the development application.  

The Panel gave 10 reasons for the rejection.

“We are disappointed the Sydney North Planning Panel did not support our development application for 40A Cope Street, Lane Cove, in its current form,” a RetireAustralia spokesperson said.

“RetireAustralia presented a well-considered design that reflects improvement to the character of the local area and would deliver a significant increase in high-quality seniors housing to enable more local residents to remain within their local community as they age.”

RetireAustralia has the option to appeal against the decision with the Land and Environment Court within the next six months.

The SOURCE: RetireAustralia modified its plan to appease the Sydney North Planning Panel. What hope does the sector have to keep up with demand?