Major seniors development faces third rejection recommendation
LOS ANGELES: An innovative seniors community development faces rejection for the third time by planning authenticates.
A seniors housing development in Towradgi twice withdrawn by IRT could be rejected the third time around.
The aged care provider lodged plans to redevelop Towradgi Park Village in 2021 and 2023.
Both times IRT withdrew the application prior to determination by the Southern Regional Planning Panel.
The latest version of the redevelopment – which included 87 independent living units and a neighbourhood shop and cafe – will go before the Wollongong Local Planning Panel.
A report to the panel from council staff recommended the project be rejected for a number of reasons, including non-compliance with flood planning controls, issues with building height and privacy impacts on neighbours.
The report raises concerns about the decision to raise streets, communal spaces and buildings at least two metres above ground level to deal with potential flooding.
“These areas will be open to vermin, rubbish and intruders, and will be a constant safety and security risk,” the report said.
Those raised levels also led to privacy issues for neighbouring residents.
“This is especially concerning for western neighbours who will be overlooked by rear private open space,” the report said.
The council architect also had concerns about the raised structures.
“The excessive use of raised walkways, boardwalks, ramps, and stairs significantly contributes to the perceived bulk and scale of the overall development,” the report said.
“It compromises the integrity of potential view corridors and open green landscaped areas.”
The development breaches the nine-metre limit by 50 centimetres in some places and the report stated sufficient justification for this was not provided.
The Wollongong Local Planning Panel meets to discuss the development application on March 31.