An over 55s retirement development in Colo Vale has received renewed approval despite community opposition.
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A resubmitted development once again gained the approval from the majority of councillors at the February 12 council meeting.
The controversial development was first brought before council in mid-July 2019 where it was approved with a majority vote
Due to community opposition the developers were taken to the Land and Environment Court over an issue regarding neighbour notification.
It is understood that the resubmitted DA last month will bring the Land and Environment proceedings to a halt.
Property developer Joshua Graham re-addressed councillors at the February 12 meeting.
"What this [development] means is that people can age in their place [of choice]," he said.
"This type and style of independent living does not currently exist in Colo Vale. Not all people over 55 or people who are physically impaired want to live in a busy CBD.
"They would enjoy tranquil living and peace and would gladly take up residence in building catering to their needs.
"This development will not only benefit the occupants but the community will benefit by way of a new footpath which will connect the site to Wattle Street."
It was approved for a second time by Councillors Garry Turland, Peter Nelson, Gordon Markwart, Grahame Andrews and Mayor Duncan Gair.
Councillors Ken Halstead, Graham McLaughlin, Larry Whipper and Ian Scandrett voted against the approval.
A notice of rescission to refuse the development was submitted on February 26 by Councillors Larry Whipper, Ken Halstead and Ian Scandrett citing that the development was out of character for the village of Colo Vale and that the development would increase traffic and affect the lifestyle and amenity of the area.
Colo Vale Community Association President Elyse White addressed councillors in public forum at the February 26 council meeting in relation to the rescission notice.
Ms White urged councillors to consider Colo Vale's residents and their opposition to the proposed retirement development.
"This structure is totally out of character. This building will look like a huge factory in this lovely little country street," she said.
"This proposal is out of character with its size and height and is unsympathetic to the current street scape.
"It raises privacy issues and parking and will increase noise levels which will interfere with the quiet enjoyment of amenities and family life."
Cr Turland said he would not change his vote.
"This is not for the purpose of people who are just aging but for people who want to downsize and stay in the village," he said.
Cr Scandrett disagreed with the bulk and scale of the development.
"We've got to find housing solutions that fit in with the character of Colo Vale," he said.
"This does not fit."
Councilors Gair, Turland, Andrews and Markwart voted against the rescission. Councillors Halstead, Whipper, Scandrett and McLaughlin voted in favour of the rescission. Cr Gair used his casting vote against the rescission and the motion was lost.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
