VCAT to review Torquay retirement village plans amid community objections

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is set to review amended plans for a retirement village on Cypress Lane in Torquay, following substantial community feedback and previous council decisions.

The Surf Coast Shire council, in a special meeting on Tuesday, April 16, endorsed the modified plans for the retirement village, confirming their compliance with both the Surf Coast Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act.

The development initially proposed in August 2023 involved selling Cypress Lane and part of an adjacent public block, with plans to discontinue the road.

However, these aspects were not approved by the council in October 2023, prompting a revision of the plans that retained the roadway and public reserve.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison addressed the community’s vested interest in the project.

“We acknowledge the ongoing community interest in this proposal,” Cr Pattison said.

“The amended plans will be considered as part of the VCAT appeal, which was lodged by nine joint applicants and objectors following council’s original decision on the retirement village proposal.”

The revised project now envisages 191 independent living units, a decrease of five units from the original proposal, and adjustments in parking availability, including 334 spaces for residents and 43 for visitors.

The plan also proposes modified setbacks from adjacent residential properties and a reduction in the height of buildings near Deep Creek to respect the local environment and existing vegetation.

“The proposed development has generous boundary setbacks and landscaping plans that capitalise on the existing vegetation, to respect the character of the area. To help achieve this, council has proposed modified conditions for VCAT to consider,” Cr Pattison said.