VCAT snubs retirement village plan

Victoria's planning umpire has rejected a bid to build a big retirement village in Kyneton.
Goldcare Kyneton applied to the Macedon Ranges Shire to develop a village made up of 100 units, an apartment building, assisted care blocks and a community centre.
However, the shire opposed the plan, saying it had concerns about the high density of the development.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruling handed down last week also details concerns held by residents about whether the site is suitable for the village.
In her decision, VCAT member Margaret Baird agrees that the village would help to address a shortage of accommodation for the elderly in the district.
However, she decided against approving the project because she shares concerns about the high density of the proposed housing, as well as the need for big retaining walls.