Major tourism, caravan park and residential upgrade proposed for 10.6ha Normanville farm

A caravan and tourist park would be built alongside a 181-home residential estate at Normanville under a plan for a 10ha farm.

The site of the proposed housing estate and tourism caravan park at Normanville. Picture: URPS

A 10.6ha Normanville farm will be turned into a caravan park and over-50s residential estate under a proposal for 300 accommodation sites to be known as Aspen Normanville.

The proposal by Aspen Group includes a caravan and tourist park comprising 20 tourist cabins, 20 caravan sites with ensuites and 79 camping sites.

The Residential Park would have 181 land-lease homes alongside a bowling green and outdoor pool.

Under a land-lease arrangement, people own the home but pay rent for the land.

A report published by URPS said the proposed development would provide a “number of key requirements for the community”.

The farming land where the proposed development would go. Picture: URPS

The farming land where the proposed development would go. Picture: URPS

“(The development will) provide appropriate, comfortable and affordable housing options for an ageing population to age in place,” they said.

“Increased permanent population to the local area (will see) increased utilisation of local businesses and services.

“Aspen aim to provide housing at price points of approximately $400k per dwelling and have a track record of achieving this.”

Both the caravan park and retirement estate would be jointly managed on-site, with

a site manager appointed to manage the park holistically, allowing for “shared management and operational efficiencies”.

Landscape, maintenance and cleaning staff would operate across the two sites to help stabilise the workforce during off-season and peak periods,

The caravan park will provide short-term accommodation for tourists, while the retirement estate would be occupied by over-50s under the Residential Parks Act 2007.

A 181-home residential estate plus caravan, cabin and tourism accommodation park has been proposed for Normanville. Picture: URPS

A caravan, cabin and tourism accommodation park – and residential estate – has been proposed for Normanville. Picture: URPS

“This differs from a conventional retirement village as residents own the dwelling and lease the land, rather than owning the dwelling and the land. This in turn means a lower entry price for the occupants of the dwellings,” the report said.

“Notwithstanding the different operating structure, the proposed development will have the appearance and functions of a contemporary retirement village in a landscaped setting.

“Residents will have access to a range of amenities and facilities on site to promote social interaction and connection across the holiday and lifestyle park.”

Consultation is open until May 3.

In 2021, Aspen Group lodged plans with Adelaide Hills Council for new tourist and workers accommodation at the then newly established housing estate Crest in Woodside.

The proposal included 10 holiday and 75 residential cabins with a reception and community building to be included on the 3ha site on Nairne Rd.

The site previously formed part of a federal government-run detention facility that housed around 400 asylum seeks between 2010 and 2014.

However, the company scrapped the plans in 2022 because of a lack of support from neighbours and the council.

An over-50s land-lease leisure estate is also proposed for Murray Bridge, and Victor Harbor.