Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) decision to refuse to grant a permit to Ryman Healthcare for its proposed development at Mt Eliza.
“The protection of the Green Wedge and the essential separation of the built environment to the natural environment is so important to the character of the Mornington Peninsula,” said Mayor Despi O’Connor.
“Today’s decision by VCAT upholds the importance of that issue for our community.”
“I’d like to thank our current and former councillors and make special mention of the huge effort from the broader community and their ongoing commitment to protecting this unique feature of the Mornington Peninsula.”
Council says the proposed development at 60-70 Kunyung Road, on land which lays outside the Urban Growth Boundary, is at odds with the amenity of the surrounding Green Wedge.
The VCAT hearing involved the New Zealand-based company’s attempts to overturn the refusal of the development by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Ryman Healthcare had submitted an application for the development of an Aged Care and Retirement Village in association with a Place of Worship at Moondah Estate.
The company sought to provide 181 independent apartments, 48 assisted living suites and 82 aged care beds, which includes low care, high care, specialist dementia, and respite care on the controversial site.
“The proposal has been developed in consultation with over 30 consultants to address all aspects of the site including views, existing vegetation, local context and its heritage nature,” Ryman Healthcare said in a statement.
“Full restoration to the gatehouse has been completed and we are committed to restoring the heritage manor building.
“The proposed development will be complemented by beautifully-landscaped gardens and the village centre will comprise a bowling green, café, dining areas, lounge areas, billiards room, pool, gymnasium, activities room, craft room, residents’ work shop, hairdressing salon, beauty salon, and much more.”
Ryman Healthcare said its proposal aimed to provide a continuum of care to residents living on the Mornington Peninsula, in a state-of-the-art environment they can “enjoy and feel connected with”.
