Maitland City Council will formally object to a plan to use a Morpeth property as the site for a new seniors residential development.
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Scott Property Development wants to establish a seniors living estate on land in Duke Street, comprised of a hostel that includes 40 apartments and a retirement village made up of 250 villa and town house-style homes.
The company has applied to NSW Planning and Environment for a Site Compatibility Certificate to allow the development at the site, because seniors living facilities are not allowed there under Maitland council’s zoning.
If a Site Compatibility Certificate is granted, then a development application will be lodged with council.
Councillors voted on Tuesday night to make a formal submission against a Site Compatibility Certificate being granted, mainly because of the perceived significant impact the development would have on the heritage value of Morpeth.
The land is not a heritage site, but it is located inside the Morpeth Heritage Conservation Area.
The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said there was demand for seniors’ living facilities in the region, but protecting Morpeth’s heritage was, in this case, more important.
“It’s not the first time that the subject land has had inquiries – I can recall three or four times,” he said.
“It’s a lovely block, but it’s right in the middle of the heritage part of Morpeth.”
Aside from the living quarters, the development would also include administration buildings, a multi-purpose hall, medical suites, a chapel, and indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
Scott Property spokesman Bob Scott criticised council for having a report on the proposal presented to councillors before a development application had been lodged.
He said he was informed that the matter would be dealt with at the council meeting at 2.30pm Tuesday afternoon.
“The matter should not be before council in its current form,” he said.
“When a development application is lodged, that’s when councillors can have a say on the development.”
Council’s group planning, environment and lifestyle manager Bernie Mortomore said the matter was presented to councillors because it was similar to a development that was proposed for the site a decade ago, which was eventually rejected in 2007.
In his report to councillors, Mr Mortomore wrote that the development would have “significant impacts on the heritage environment of Morpeth”.
