Ingenia’s proposed over-55s lifestyle village at Scotts Head in northern NSW is continuing to meet with fierce community opposition after a development application was filed late last month.
The ASX-listed operator is seeking to build a 255-home land lease community in the Nambucca Valley town on the NSW Mid North Coast, which as of 2016 had a population of approximately 900.
Locals have said that the village would increase the local population by up to 50% and dwellings by 41%, putting a strain on resources and infrastructure. A community group opposing the development said Scotts Head appears to be the smallest town for which Ingenia has proposed a land lease community, with previous sites being better able to absorb the additional population.
“It does not address local affordable housing challenges, and is targeted at existing, affluent, over-55 homeowners seeking to downsize; it will not be accessible to young families, young workers or over-55s on lower incomes,” the Save Scotts Head group added.
In a statement to NBN News, Ingenia said it had placed a premium on “good design and mitigating impacts” in its DA.
“Ingenia’s submission responds to feedback received during community consultation and includes a range of technical studies, which are all available as part of the Council’s exhibition period,” it said.
The DA is on exhibition with Nambucca Valley Council until 31 August.
