Residents of Merimbula in southern NSW have pushed back against a proposed retirement village on a vacant hillside.
The Merimbula Lifestyle Village, to be built by Sydney firm Justice Fox, would cost just under $40 million and comprise almost 90 units across two buildings, one four storeys high and the other five storeys.
In the development application, planners Haskew de Chalain said the village would address the “lack of downsized residential accommodation to support seniors in the community”.
“[This proposal will] contribute to the immediate area of Merimbula within the local government area of Bega Valley Shire, eighty-nine (89) seniors housing (independent living units), including staff and administration support, all with high levels of social and recreational amenity, in close proximity to access local services,” it read.
However, a community meeting to discuss the proposal attracted more than 100 nearby residents, who objected to the proposal on grounds including traffic, light and noise pollution, and potential impact on the local environment.
One resident told the ABC that the development would not be consistent with the area, saying it would be “probably the size of Bega Hospital”.
“It’s going to cause shading, noise pollution and light pollution at night. It’s totally out of character. It’s something that would suit Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, but not here,” he said.
Bega Valley Shire Council is considering the proposal, with public exhibition open until 12 December.
