Surf Coast Shire Council has decided to grant a planning permit for the use and development of a retirement village in Cypress Lane, Torquay.
The proposed development is considered appropriate under the Surf Coast Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act.
The Council made the decision at its August Council meeting, with Councillor Gary Allen saying the site is appropriate for a retirement village and will retain much of its perimeter vegetation to respect the landscape character.
“The site is also well located, offering residents access to nearby facilities, services and infrastructure,” he said.
The proposal includes construction of a clubhouse, 120 independent living units, and three apartment buildings comprising 16 one-bed apartments and 60 two-bed apartments. There are 355 car parks across the site, as well as various resident facilities such as a bowling green, swimming pool and gym.
The planning permit application attracted 111 objections and two letters of support. Cr Allen thanked the community members who took part in the engagement period. Community concerns — which included density, amenity, and stormwater, traffic and environmental impacts — were considered and informed many of the conditions of approval.
“The Council understands this proposal has generated a lot of community interest, and has carefully considered all of the public submissions,” Cr Allen said. “The proposal meets the requirements of the relevant planning policies and is also consistent with our Age Friendly Strategy, which includes increasing options for people to age well in place.”
There is a separate proposal to discontinue Cypress Lane and remove a portion of public land nearby, known as reserve number three. Council provided in-principle support for the land sale in February 2022, while it declared its intent to sell the land in February 2023 and sought community feedback on the decision.
“The potential sale is conditional on the land being used to provide housing for seniors or people with a disability,” Cr Allen said. “Now that the Council has decided to issue a notice of decision to grant a planning permit for the retirement village, the Council will determine the sale of the land and the discontinuance of the road at an upcoming Council meeting.”
