A family home purchased by David Oldfield for $1.89 million in 2011 can be turned into a $17.5 million 35-home retirement village in Belrose, 19km northeast of Sydney's CBD, after his appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court was successful.

In February last year, Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel agreed with Northern Beaches Council the proposed development should be refused because it exceeded the maximum 8.5m building height development standard. 

NSW Land and Environment Court acting commissioner, Louise Byrne, granted development consent after an agreement was reached about height issues and design changes that would better protect buildings in a bushfire between Mr Oldfield and the Council after two court-convened conciliation conferences. 

Mr Oldfield, 66, previously shared the property with his former wife Lisa Oldfield and their two children. A former NSW Upper House MP, he was the co-founder of the One Nation political party with current Senator Pauline Hanson.

The six proposed retirement living buildings include two and three bedroom self-contained units for seniors and people living with disabilities. A series of common spaces, communal rooms, and courtyard areas would link the buildings. Parking for 72 vehicles would also be provided. 

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