Two proposed vertical buildings for 73 independent retirement living apartments in Chatswood, 10km north of Sydney’s CBD, have been refused approval.

Both buildings significantly breached Willoughby Council’s height regulations, angering Medi-Aid Centre Foundation CEO David Knight, the applicant.

“We have owned the land for over 30 years with the vision of one day being able to help vulnerable Aussie seniors have affordable housing in a safe environment,” David told North Shore Times.

“At this time we are considering selling the land. Sadly, most likely any developer who buys it won’t be providing the same level of altruistic housing.

“We will seek a forward thinking and compassionate local government area that would actually understand and welcome what we are trying to do.”

Willoughby Council also was concerned that the plan for affordable retirement housing stated for a “minimum period of 15 years”, which is at odds with local planning strategies which require affordable housing to be provided in perpetuity.