Northern Beaches Council is opposing Platino Properties’ application to build two towers, including a 12-storey apartment block for over 55’s, in French Forest, 13km north of Sydney’s CBD.
The council says the proposed development made up of several buildings, ranging in height from three to 12 storeys, is too big and will take over too much of the existing Frenchs Forest Business Park in Skyline Place. The proposal also includes 22 units for affordable and disability housing.
The local resident opposition is despite the development being surrounded by light industrial businesses.
The State Planning Panel North is holding a public determination meeting, via teleconference, tomorrow (Wednesday) to allow the two sides to put their case.
If it gets the go-ahead, the development is the second stage of a seniors living project by Platino Properties. The first stage — 55 units in six-storey buildings — is now being built on an adjoining lot fronting Frenchs Forest Rd and is nearly sold out.
At The SOURCE, we are going out on a limb here and giving this development a label, ‘community apartments’.
The developer, advised by ex-Lendlease Retirement’s head of Development, Simon Militano’s SALA Solutions, is successfully offering a retirement village product but outside of the Retirement Village Act.
“Our vision for the development is to bring social (disability) housing, affordable housing and senior’s housing together into a fully integrated community,” Simon Militano said.
“We also provide an onsite concierge which provides access to a full suite of home-care services should these be required, and the ability to change and/or increase the levels of care if necessary – all while staying in their own home which allows the resident to live independently.”
Community apartment developments are gaining pace, as we revealed in our subscriber only 5 June edition of SATURDAY Magazine. We predict this model will gain momentum and fill a gap for 65-75 year old retirees who desire the benefits of a retirement village but still desire to be active in their local community.
The NSW Government have released the draft Frenchs Forest Place Strategy and this is currently on public exhibition.
