Residents “horrified” by seniors development

RESIDENTS are “horrified” at plans to build a seven-storey, $81 million seniors housing development on Longueville Rd at Lane Cove.

Artist's impression of a proposed $81m seniors development in Lane Cove.

RESIDENTS are “horrified” at plans to build a seven-storey, $81 million seniors housing development on Longueville Rd at Lane Cove.

They say the project is significantly bigger than first outlined by Lane Cove Council and will cause privacy problems for many of the 47 families whose properties border the 9,204 square metre site.

The council, which owns the land, is not the applicant and not involved in determining the outcome.

It proposes to lease the land to successful bidder Australian Unity Limited for 99 years, subject to development consent being granted.

Lane Cove resident Darvan Sinnetamby at the site formerly occupied by lawn bowling greens. Picture: Julian Andrews.

Residents say the council stands to reap $34 million from the venture.

Council says the development is sorely needed in the area to cater for the growing number of seniors.

The development application proposes construction of a 70-bed residential aged care facility and 82 independent living units with basement car parking for 122 vehicles and a new public park.

It comprises three interconnected buildings separated by landscaped communal open space.

The sloping site, formerly occupied by lawn bowling greens, means the buildings would vary in height from four to seven storeys, with a two storey façade on Longueville Rd.

Graphic prepared by resident Darvan Sinnetamby showing a section of Richardson St West with Lane Cove Council's original development control plan in blue and later architectural plans submitted for approval in red.