By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
AFTER more than a year of uncertainty, residents of a Gembrook retirement village can finally rest assured that their neighbourhood will remain exclusively for retirees.
The group spent much of 2015 on edge, as developer Acorn Planning applied to remove the age restriction on 10 of the 20 planned dwellings located in Vista Court, Gembrook.
In May 2015, Cardinia Shire Council refused to amend the permit because the applicant had entered into a Section 173 Agreement, specifying that the land must only be used for the purpose of a retirement village.
It also failed to comply with the Gembrook Township Strategy and was not in line with the original intent of the permit.
Unsatisfied, Acorn notified residents in August 2015 that it would be appealing council’s decision at VCAT.
But Councillor Brett Owen told colleagues at Monday night’s meeting of the Town Planning committee (1 February) that the applicant had withdrawn the appeal.
Cr Owen said he welcomed the withdrawal, and that the village had originally been approved to meet a need in the hills.
“The applicant, through council, tried to get a permit to allow for people under the age of 55 to move in and that was a real concern for a lot of residents,” Cr Owen said.
“A lot of residents who built into that development bought in because of that condition over 55 and it’s fair to say that when council approved it that was one of the main reasons why council allowed it.”
Acting president of the Gembrook Township Committee John Cascone said that the issue had been brought up at several meetings and was a source of concern for residents throughout the community.
“It was made very clear from the word go that this was only for people over 55s. Once the decision has been made and accepted, it should remain like that,” he said.
“There are plenty of opportunities for families to buy into housing in this area.”
John added he was pleased that the application would no longer pose a threat to the retirees’ lifestyle
“There’s been strong opposition to the application in the wider community on behalf of the residents,” he said.
“Of course, council has got to consider both sides of the argument, but they need to look at the needs of the community and that’s what they’ve done here.”
