A NSW court has cleared the way for an aged care facility to be built in Sydney's northern beaches, despite residents' concerns the development was at odds with the character of its bushland setting.
Developer Tolucy Pty Ltd lodged a DA to knock down a house in Terrey Hills, 25km north of Sydney to build a residential aged care home with 90 beds and 60 self-contained dwellings.
But the Sydney North Planning and Assessment Panel rejected the proposal, prompting the developer to launch action against Northern Beaches Council in the Land and Environment Court.
Court documents showed that residents raised concerns about a lack of infrastructure and services in the area, including, "bushfire risk and the capacity for residents and their property, including animals, to evacuate the area in a bushfire emergency."
However, Commissioner Tim Horton said the housing was in the public interest and should go ahead.
