A long-running saga has come to an end on the NSW Central Coast with the approval of Uniting NSW.ACT’s $148 million redevelopment of its Nareen Gardens co-located retirement village and aged care home at Bateau Bay.

The Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved Uniting’s revised plans at a meeting on Wednesday despite sustained pushback from local community groups. The development will comprise 180 independent living units and a 160-bed aged care home.

Central Coast Council has imposed a number of additional conditions on the development including the perpetual presence of affordable housing units, a new community liaison strategy, electric charging points for cars and scooters, and a ban on residents parking caravans in the streets.

In its decision, the panel acknowledged the “significant changes” Uniting had made to its original plans, but noted that “more effective communication and consultation” with the community could have helped address locals’ concerns.

“The panel was satisfied that the proposal would facilitate the replacement of an existing and ageing facility with a new, contemporary facility which will deliver a better environment for care including the benefits of co‐located independent living units (ILUs) and a residential aged care facility (RACF) which will allow for ‘ageing in place’.

“The provision of 23 affordable housing ILUs in perpetuity will also help meet the demand for affordable housing in the region,” the decision read.

Uniting’s Director Property and Housing Simon Furness (pictured) has welcomed the decision, saying the DA is part of the provider’s commitment to the community.

“Across the next decade, Uniting will be focusing on delivering excellent community services, designed to support people to age in place with comfort and dignity.

“Uniting’s first priority is always to our residents, both now and into the future, and we’ve designed a village that will fulfil key needs on the Central Coast,” he said.

Planning for construction will begin soon.