Brimbank council has approved plans for a residential aged care facility at 27 Driscolls Road, Kealba.
Ryman Healthcare will transform the six-hectare vacant site of the former Kealba Secondary College.
The plan allows for a retirement village to be built with 140 independent living units, including two and three-bedroom single storey dwellings, a central four-storey residential aged care building accommodating approximately 54 assisted living apartments and 80 rooms for aged care use.
In 2019, a developer took plans to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) seeking to build 196 residential lots and dwellings on the site after being knocked back by council.
The approval by VCAT was conditional on providing pedestrian access to Bellara Crescent Reserve, retention of several trees and changes to the crossovers and kerb layout.
An earlier development plan in 2018, which proposed to build 208 residential lots and dwellings on the site, was refused by council, with the refusal upheld by VCAT on appeal.
Cr Virignia Tachos said the Kealba community has been on a ‘long’ journey to reach this stage.
“… There is a real need for greater independent residential aged care facilities in Brimbank,” she said.
“We have an aging community, and whilst this plan is still in its early stages … I believe that this development plan is a huge improvement. It’s respectful to the character of the surrounds of Kealba, and I’m very happy to support this development plan.”
During the public consultation process, council received nine submissions, all of which opposed the proposed plan.
Key issues of concern were the removal of trees and bushes to make way for the development, as well as increased traffic congestion in the area.
The approved plan allows for 139 trees to be removed, on the condition that the developer replant street and park trees. The plan also notes that 32 mature trees will remain on site and be maintained.
Two vehicle entrance points will be provided via Driscolls Road, which will act as driveways to allow for two-way traffic movements through the site.
