APPLICANTS for a proposed retirement village in Gnangara will appeal against a decision refusing the development.
The North-West Joint Development Assessment Panel rejected the plan by Lakelands Country Club and developer Handle Property Group (HPG) to build a retirement village on land adjacent to the club.
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READ NOWHPG director Peter Burke said they would lodge a review with the State Administrative Tribunal.
The panellists, including two Wanneroo councillors, agreed with City of Wanneroo and WA Planning Commission officers that the urban development was inconsistent with the land’s rural zoning and the planning policy for the east Wanneroo area.
Specialist member Fred Zuideveld said the proposal required more planning and investigation.
“Considering the surrounding area is only potential for urban development, I feel (it) is very premature,” he said.
“There are a number of question marks regarding the development and these need further investigation.
“It is premature until such time that the issues can be resolved.”
Deputy presiding member Paul Drechsler said he was also concerned with the size of the development.
“I believe it’s too intense at the moment… it’s not sensible,” he said.
Department of Planning officer Kym Petani confirmed the WA Planning Commission had initiated an amendment to the East Wanneroo Structure Plan to rezone the area from rural to urban deferred.
She said it was being progressed and would “proceed in a rational manner”.
After the verdict, club president John Alchin said he felt emotional.
“I’m absolutely gutted at the decision,” he said.“We thought we were on a winner and the club would go forward.
“I believe we should be allowed to build this retirement village.”