A 73-lot development application in west Yarrawonga that lapsed last year has returned to council – with the applicants now planning a bigger 205-home ‘lifestyle village’.
While not expected to be discussed at council until August, the application at and around Riverlands Tourist Park has already stirred controversy.
About 20 permanent park residents, mostly elderly retirees, were told they would be able to stay in the wake of the initial, smaller application.
But after that was left to lapse in council, a second, bigger application was submitted, and the residents were told there would be no space to accommodate their caravans and cabins.
Developer Dominic Bressan, of Pentola Partners in Sydney, said the reason behind the changed applications was objections to the first plan on “traffic access” issues.
He said while there was no timeline on a start date, and thus no set date set for residents to leave, the developer would help with “practical and financial” assistance in making the move.
“We’re willing to go above and beyond,” he said.
“We want to make sure everyone is happy to welcome this development into the area.
“We understand change is always difficult, and moving is stressful.”
The estimated $95 million development plans for homes ranging from 8.5m to 16m frontages, nearly all 20m in length.
It is planned to be built in 11 stages and includes a clubhouse, wellness precinct and ‘open communal’ area on river floodplain.
The clubhouse will include a function space, cinema and library while the wellness centre will have a swimming pool and spa, gym, sauna and steam room.
The outdoor area will include a bowling green, pickle ball courts, walking trails, stomping shed and private vineyard.
Despite still requiring a Cultural Heritage Management Plan before proceeding to council, Mr Bressan said the likelihood of approval was “pretty good”.
Mr Bressan said he hoped the development would add to housing affordability in the area.
“That is a core part of what we’re attempting to do,” he said.
“We expect (sale prices) to typically be significantly less than the median house price for the region.”
The application – which is titled 10 Brears Road Yarrawonga - is currently going through the community notice process, with council confirming it had received some objections.
Council does not expect the matter to be discussed at a monthly meeting until at least August.
The application comes in the wake of similar over-55 lifestyle developments in Yarrawonga that are in the works or being planned at Glanmire Park (around 200 homes) and ASX listed Lifestyle Communities’ development well underway off Hogans Road (around 100 homes).