A luxury rehabilitation facility in the NSW Southern Highlands is facing regulatory action from a local council for allegedly operating without proper development consent.
Clients pay up to $25,000 per week for tailored treatment for trauma, mental health issues and addiction at Highlands Recovery in East Bowral.
The property was originally a nine-bedroom, five-bathroom residential home which was bought by Sydney-based Paracelsus Health Pty Ltd in April for an undisclosed price.
Three months ago, Highlands Recovery lodged an application to change the development application (DA) for the 2-hectare estate from existing dwelling to group home (transitional).
The property, on the outskirts of town is zoned as RU4 by the Wingecarribee Shire Council, which allows residents to make a small income through agricultural activities on properties up to 10 hectares.
Bowral is the biggest town in the NSW Southern Highlands, and best known for its annual tulip festival. (ABC Illawarra: Sarah Moss)
Council, the consent authority, said Highlands Recovery needed a group home DA to operate, which it said it had not yet approved.
The ABC understands Highlands Recovery is operating and is currently seeing up to six clients.
Paracelsus Health Pty Ltd lodged an application with the Land and Environment Court last week against council with hope of fast-tracking DA approval.
In a statement, council said it was "aware of Highlands Recovery's operations".
"[We are] actively monitoring the situation … and taking appropriate steps to ensure compliance with relevant regulations," a council spokesperson said.
Highlands recovery advertises itself as a "discreet and luxury rehab". (Supplied: Highlands Recovery)
Neighbourhood safety and security
The Bowral Action Group alleged in a statement that it had seen clients on site, saying members were "astonished".
"Residents in the area have already been negatively impacted by extraordinarily bright lighting, extra traffic including cars and trucks and additional noise," the group's statement said.
Some locals have acknowledged the need for trauma and addiction-related support.
In the statement, the action group agreed but said one of the biggest concerns was the potential risks associated with having vulnerable people wandering their neighbourhood.
Council says it has not yet decided on the outcome of the development application. (Supplied: Highlands Recovery)
Council would not disclose the kinds of regulatory action it was taking against Highlands Recovery, but the group said those measures had been too slow.
"Sadly, it is also worth noting that the huge number of letters, calls and emails to council from residents have been either ignored or dismissed," the group's statement said.
Highlands Recovery disputes concerns
In response to questions posed by the ABC, Highlands Recovery said in a statement it believed the DA lodged was the appropriate classification needed for its operation.
Built around 30 years ago, the 2-hectare property in East Bowral sold for around $5 million four years ago. (Supplied: Highlands Recovery)
The organisation had not responded to requests to detail the extent of its operations by publication deadline.
However, it did say claims its operations were disruptive to neighbours were both "inaccurate and unfounded".
"Our clients are high-functioning, successful individuals who are seeking a premium care facility to treat their trauma," a spokesperson said.
"They do not pose a risk to the community simply because they suffer from mental health conditions."