As we reported here, the Not For Profit had revised its original application for the 108-bed home in January this year after concerns were raised about the development including its height, scale and impact on the heritage of the site.

The development – which includes the adaptive reuse of the historic Closebourne House, the former laundry, the gym and chapel buildings and Arkell House on the site – has now been approved by Council.

However, the plan faces one more hurdle as it will now be forwarded to the Joint Regional Planning Panel as it exceeds the $30 million threshold.

Karen Armstrong, the National Planning Manager for Lend Lease Retirement Living, says the home will be the result of extensive collaboration with the Heritage NSW and council officers, and that there is an escalating need for aged care onsite and locally.

We count no aged care homes in the town of 1,400.