Plans for seven more seniors villages, in Dural, Glenhaven sparks concerns for rural landscape
DURAL and Glenhaven could become “geriatric cities” if seven applications for seniors housing are approved by the NSW Planning Department.
Hornsby
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DURAL and Glenhaven could become “geriatric cities” if seven applications for seniors housing are approved by the NSW Planning Department.
The approval would mean 13 seniors villages would be in the rural suburbs, with close to 4500 beds available across the facilities.
At a recent council meeting, The Hills Shire Council adopted a policy to object all applications for site compatibility certificates for seniors housing on rural land until it reviewed its planning and housing strategy.
“Council is working with the Greater Sydney Commission and the Planning Department to close the loopholes in the state policy that allows these developments to occur,” Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne said.
The biggest of the proposals is for a 130-bed residential care facility, 472 self-contained apartments and 44 self-contained homes at South Dural.
Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said the councils were yet to meet with Planning Minister Anthony Roberts.
“We want the State Government to act and modify the zoning to protect rural zoning in areas like South Dural as soon as possible, and we are not the only council rallying for these protections of our rural land,” he said. “The Greater Sydney Commission and Hornsby Council are both of the view that we should protect the zoning of rural areas and maintain the character of these areas.
“These developments should not to occur, particularly when the infrastructure to support them is not in place.”
Hornsby Greens councillor Emma Heyde said recent applications for seniors housing held an estimated value of more than $126.3 million across three proposals.
“We can’t trust the State Government to protect Sydney’s last remaining agricultural areas,” Cr Heyde said.
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“They are allowing developers to gobble up rural land across South Dural, Galston and Glenorie and turn it into massive seniors’ housing projects.
“While we need appropriate homes for senior residents, putting these developments on rural land which is a miles from transport and shops is bowing to private interests.”