The future size and scale of seniors living parks in Port Stephens is expected to be tested when two development applications (DA) at the former Colonial Resort site in Salamander Bay go before the council.
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Developer Phillip Fox currently has two separate DAs lodged with the council for seniors housing development at the Fleet Street village.
The first comprises 35 units within a six storey building (including two levels of basement car parking below ground level) at a building height of 14.5m.
The second consists of 60 units within two multi-storey buildings, one of four storeys and a second of seven storeys at a height of 12.5m. Total cost is estimated at $27.6 million.
The DAs come after Port councillors gave the green light for 15 seniors’ dwellings – comprising five new homes and the conversion of 10 existing ones, plus a caretaker’s residence – at the October 9 meeting.
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Speaking from Brisbane, Mr Fox said he was glad to receive news of the approval and that he would continue to work with the council on subsequent applications.
Despite objections received through 178 submissions, the council decision was commended by the Salamander Bay Community Group (SBCG).
Convener Colin Howard, who used public access at the October 9 meeting to showcase the merits of the DA, said that SBCG members were pleased to show their support for low-rise cottage-style development.
“We feel that the council’s agreement to support low-impact development is a good balance between developing seniors living and the impact on the Port community and environment,” he said. “However, there is no appetite for multi-storey apartment blocks in this quiet suburban street.”
A council spokesperson said that DAs received for seniors housing under the State Environmental Planning Policy “will be assessed on their merits”.
“The future demand or need for this development type is market driven,” the spokesperson said. “The council’s Strategic Planning Department is currently working on a Local Housing Strategy which will provide more direction for housing (including seniors housing).”
The spokesperson added that as both the Fleet Street DAs had proposed variations to the 9m height limit, they would be reported to council for determination.
“The applications are still under assessment, including awaiting referral comments from external agencies, so it is unlikely that the DAs will be reported this year.”
Mayor Ryan Palmer said that the market would dictate demand for seniors living.
“We as a council are working on strategies on a range of issues including building heights, parking, transport and location,” he said. “My feedback is that people are willing to downsize which has the advantage of freeing up housing stock for younger people looking to get into the housing market.”
Approximately 80 people attended a public meeting hosted by the SBCG on Sunday to discuss the new Fleet Street plans and had voted unanimously to reject them.
“The key issues for objection include the siting of a multi-storey apartment block in a residential R2 zoned area; the impact on amenity of surrounding residents; the impact of traffic during construction; and the long-term plan for the site comprising around 230 dwellings/apartments,” Mr Howard said.
“Our members will continue to work with the council to ensure that the many issues identified in submissions objecting to this proposal are understood.”
Currently in Port Stephens, there is a proliferation of retirement living development, including three in Anna Bay, two in Salamander Bay and one at Medowie.
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