The company planning a multi-million dollar retirement village in Strathfieldsaye says it’s expecting some opposition to the development, but claims the area, given its projected population growth, needs affordable retirement housing options.
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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.
Gannon Lifestyle Group’s project manager Michael Cameron said the village would target lower-income earners through a house ownership and land-leasing model.
“Any development you get – especially in an area that's been rural for so long – people can't accept change,” he said.
“The last thing we want to do is stir the neighbours up. You'll always get your few (dissenters).”
Mr Cameron said the advantage of leasing the land on which the house is built meant homeowners would qualify for Commonwealth rental assistance.
Gannon Lifestyle Group purchased the plot of land on Strathfieldsaye Road about a year ago, and are hopeful of turning soil at some stage next year, he said.
“You always get a bit of an uproar from the neighbours. The land is within (planning) code. We wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t,” Mr Cameron said.
The village will be constructed in stages, the planning application states, with 21 lots and a community centre to be built 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.
According to the planning application, the lots will offer four house styles, and will be marketed to over 55s who can live independently in a “secure residential environment”
“We're in a national shortage of retirement housing and it’s the same in Bendigo. This particular model, affordability wise, is the best product to suit the market,” Mr Cameron said.
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 development site is identified “to be promoted as a growth centre” under the Bendigo Urban Area Strategic Framework Plan, the application states.
“It (retirement village) is an expansion that Strathfieldsaye actually needs, it’s no different to saying we need new shops or a service station,” Mr Cameron said.
The Bendigo Advertiser this week spoke to neighbours of the proposed development, some of whom were unhappy with the plan but did not wish to be quoted.