GemLife proposes expansion to Highfields retirement resort with Toowoomba council
A major retirement resort north of Toowoomba could become even larger, after plans were put forward for an expansion worth dozens of new homes. Details here:
Development
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A major retirement facilities provider plans to expand a popular over-50s resort north of Toowoomba.
GemLife put forward a proposal to the Toowoomba Regional Council last week to increase its Highfields location by another 39 dwellings on adjacent land on Kratzke Road.
It comes two years after the company was approved for a 230-lot lifestyle gated estate, which including a two-storey country club, indoor heated swimming pool and spa, luxury cinema, gym and yoga studio, ten-pin bowling, games room, an indoor golf simulator, bar and coffee lounge.
It also comes a year after GemLife planned a different expansion of 55 dwellings of Highgrove Drive.
The new homes, which would expand the amount of accommodation for retirees in the Toowoomba region, would use the existing communal facilities already built.
However the report by RPS Group said the expansion was being treated as a separate retirement village for planning purposes.
“It is intended for the development to occur in accordance with the established theme of the existing Highfields development, with a consistent approach to frontage treatments and targeted landscape embellishments, albeit with substantially increased buffers to adjoining properties to ensure the development integrates seamlessly with the surrounding neighbourhood,” the report said.
“The development proposes consistent dwelling designs to those already approved by council as part of the adjoining development approval, thereby maintaining consistency with the range of dwelling types available to prospective purchasers.
“Considering GemLife’s model is premised on delivering high quality accommodation for older members of the community, being retirees and seniors (over 50s), the development proposal is consistent with the retirement facility land use definition.”
The application also includes an operational works proposal, which if also approved would allow Gemlife to start construction quickly.
Reports were also lodged into traffic and noise impacts, stormwater management and engineering.
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