Developers withdraw East Coast retirement village proposal before council to amend designs

The proponent behind a planned multimillion-dollar East Coast retirement village has revealed why a development application for the proposal was withdrawn ahead of a council vote. DETAILS >>

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THE proponent behind a planned multimillion-dollar East Coast retirement village has revealed why a development application for the proposal was withdrawn ahead of a council vote on the project.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council was set to vote on a proposal by Greenplace for a $6.7 million, 67-unit seaside lifestyle village at Swansea.

The development was recommended for refusal by council planners with issues raised including lack of sunlight and parking availability.

Artists Impressions from a Development Application for Swansea Rise Lifestyle Living aged care home in Swansea. Designs: Smartgrowth

“It is fair to say that for most units, private open space has not been orientated to take advantage of sunlight,” council planners comments on the development application states.

“Even with skylights, proposed for some of the south-facing units, there would be no direct sunlight, which is a particular issue in Tasmania in the winter.”

Greenplace director George Leich said the item was pulled from the council agenda to allow for amendments to be made.

“I have asked the council to not have an item on agenda on Tuesday and I have begun a process of addressing the issues that are of concerns to the planner in the hope the resubmitted plans will fully satisfy the conditions in order that a positive recommendation of approval can be made,” he said.

Mr Leich said he wanted to work closely with the council and the East Coast community to develop a well-received project.

“We’re all working together, I want the community to know we’re working with the council planner,” he said.

“We’re trying to work with the community in light of the planner’s advice to make this development a win for all.”

Mr Leich said he expected to return the development application amendments within 42 days.

Mr Leich had received council approval in 2004 for a residential subdivision at the site but changed tack to instead propose the lifestyle village development.