Plans for a multi-million dollar retirement village in Strathfieldsaye have been lodged with the City of Greater Bendigo.
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The development, submitted on behalf of Adelaide-based Gannon Lifestyle Group, plans to build 196 lots across 7.76 hectares at 783-797 Strathfieldsaye Road, near the Ryalls Lane intersection.
According to the planning application, the lots will offer four house styles, containing two or three bedrooms and “will be marketed to over 55s who can live independently in a managed and secure residential environment”.
Related: Vision for future Strathfieldsaye
The village will be constructed in stages, the application states, with 21 lots, a community centre and 10 visitor car parking spaces to be constructed initially.
The 135 three-bedroom houses expected to be built will measure 13 x 20.5 metres, while the 61 two-bedroom units are smaller, at 9.6 x 20.5 metres.
The development site is identified “to be promoted as a growth centre” under the Bendigo Urban Area Strategic Framework Plan, the application states.
“The proposal is consistent with state and local government planning policy context in relation to the establishment of residential villages to service the diverse needs of communities with their ageing populations,” it reads.
“The development will contribute to the range of densities and the variety of dwelling types available in this location which is well serviced by commercial, recreational and community facilities.”
Bendigo council has created a town plan for the area, which is forecast to grow from an estimated 5700 people in 2016 to over 13,000 by 2036.
The application follows the recent approval of a 173 lot subdivision in the town.
Discussing the proposed development at a July meeting, councillor Yvonne Wrigglesworth said the five objectors to the development were concerned with increased traffic, lot sizes and the potential flood risk.
These objectors, “needed to be involved in early stages of planning process, not the late stages”, she said.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the development, following advice from council town planners.
The Sullivans Road development is proposed to be undertaken in eight stages, with the lots ranging from 427 to 1338 square metres in size and an average lot size across the estate of 725 square metres.
