Light and noise pollution, traffic control and environmental impacts are some of the concerns raised at a community meeting in Merimbula over a proposed development for seniors' living.
Key points:
- An 89-unit development for seniors is being assessed by the Bega Valley Shire Council
- Over 100 residents met to discuss concerns about the proposal last night
- The DA is on public exhibition until mid-December
More than 100 people who reside near Merimbula's Lakewood Drive met on Tuesday night to discuss the nearly $40-million proposal.
The submission is for building 89 units, some of which are based within a five-storey building.
Sydney-based company Justice Fox has lodged the development application (DA) and it is currently being assessed by the Bega Valley Shire Council.
"I thought I was going to have a lovely time in retirement," said Sue Lister, who has recently bought a property in the area.
"I didn't think I'd be looking at a five-storey brick wall."
The project is proposed for a picturesque hillside overlooking Merimbula Lake at 83 Lakewood Drive.
It includes two-bedroom units, bowling greens and an administrative office, along with a function room, library, lounge, gym, swimming pool and parking spaces.
The units and amenities will be contained within two buildings located only a few hundred metres from the lake; one with four levels and the main building with five storeys.
The DA documents state that the developers have considered as part of their proposal the "lack of downsized residential accommodation to support seniors in the community", which the application says is "a cohort of residents who are increasing in the community".
Size 'out of character'
Local resident Philip Wiltshire says he isn't against more housing being built in his suburb, especially for seniors, but he would like it to be built in a form that's "consistent with the area" and that doesn't exceed two storeys.
"It's probably the size of Bega hospital, it's huge," he said.
"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."
Another local resident Rosalie Blyton said the development would impact the environment and would also increase local traffic, which she said would add pressure during a bushfire.
"This is not a good road, it's one way in, one way out," she said.
Ms Blyton also expressed concern about the impact the development could have on the region's aquaculture industry.
"We thought about the infrastructure as to where the sewerage and all the water is going to go … we've got to think of our oyster farmers," she said.
A call for feedback
The public exhibition of the DA is set to end on the 12 of December.
Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick says feedback is being accepted via the DA tracker on the council's website.
He's seeking an extension to allow more local residents to properly read through the DA and submit their objections.
"We've got the Christmas period coming up so it's a lot harder for people to have that time and do that homework," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
"I know the developer might want to push through and try and get things done quickly, but it's only right that we listen to the community as well.
"If you don't complain now, don't cry when it happens."
Justice Fox Property Group has been contacted for comment.