TLC Healthcare has come under fire from residents in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, for a proposed intergenerational development that has bypassed local council approval as well as the state planning tribunal.

The five-storey project, which would include an aged care home as well as a medical centre, pool, early childhood education facility, café, and gym, was sent directly to Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne under the Development Facilitation Program for “accelerated assessment”; the program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to fast-track projects that could result in economic stimulus.

Community groups have objected to the “backdoor” process and say that the development is more suited for a commercial zone than residential. According to a spokesperson for the Minister quoted in Commercial Real Estate, consultation on the project ended on 28 February.

“The local council and affected residents and community groups have been invited to provide feedback on the proposal – their views will be considered before a decision is made,” the spokesperson said.

Another Victorian intergenerational project, TLC Whitewater in Mordialloc, is expected to open this year.

TLC has been contacted for comment.