No replacement for lost open space at The Sands

NO new open space will be created within The Sands estate to replace areas lost under a proposed redevelopment, the Surf Coast Shire has confirmed.

The multi-lot subdivision lodged by Central Real Capital (CRC) seeks to rezone parcels of land around the golf course for 21 new residential housing lots, along with a nine-townhouse project on the tennis court at The Sands Resort.

The proposal has drawn opposition from some residents, who argue the loss of open space would undermine a defining feature of the estate.

Councillors fielded several questions about the proposal at its meeting last week, including concerns about the future of open space and wildlife corridors.

Brenda McCorkle asked whether council had plans to replace any lost open space if the development proceeds.

In response, shire chief executive Robyn Seymour said public open space in the original subdivision of The Sands was provided by four reserves being transferred to the shire.

She said there was also a Section 173 agreement about gifting of the saltmarsh land, which counted towards the provision of open space in the estate.

That land now forms part of the Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve, managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

“From an open space planning perspective, residents in The Sands estate have access to a range of public and private open spaces,” Seymour said.

“The existing network of these spaces functions effectively to support the current population.

“Officers will consider how these open spaces would be impacted by any potential new lots as part of the assessment of these applications.”

Seymour said a biodiversity impact assessment had been provided with the planning application.

Responding to a separate question from Geoffrey King, she said state planning guidelines released in 2020 on converting golf course land could serve as “useful reference material” but were “not strictly mandatory” in assessing the application.

CRC, a NSW-based private bank, appointed KordaMentha on 11 February as receivers and managers of the DLH (Torquay) Property Trust, which owns the property 2 Sands Boulevard.

In a letter sent to The Sands residents on 27 February, CRC chief executive Tony Denny said at least 30 per cent of the proceeds from sales in the development would be invested directly into The Sands as part of a capital investment of up to $5 million to support upgrades, maintenance and improvements.

The receivership does not extend to and does not affect The Sands Resort, which is operated by a separate business under an existing lease arrangement.