By NOEL MURPHY
SURF Coast councillors have rejected controversial plans to turn part of Torquay’s The Sands into an aged-care centre.
The Handbury Group wanted to convert a Peppers hotel adjoining the estate’s golf clubhouse into a 112-room facility offering various levels of care for the frail and aged.
Residents in the plush golf-oriented resort estate were concerned the aged-care centre could affect their access to resort facilities, lower property values and lead to subdivision of the golf course.
Mayor Rose Hodge said council received 200 submissions, “a vast majority objecting” to the plans.
A council planning amendment process to ensure community consultation over the aged care proposal revealed “a number of issues”, she told the Independent.
“Council has taken note of those,” Cr Hodge said.
“We know there’s a need for aged care facilities but the developments need to happen in appropriate locations.
“The social and economic impacts of proposals to convert existing facilities also need to be closely assessed and considered along with community views.
“I’d like to thank all parties for the respectful way in which this process has been conducted.”
Sands residents spokesman Paul Martonhelyi said the objectors living in the estate were “certainly very relieved and happy” with council’s decision.
“For the benefit of Torquay and the greater Surf Coast Shire, it’s good to be able to preserve this important tourism facility for the anticipated growth in tourism we’re expecting in all the advertising and promotion by government agencies,” he said.
Residents had argued existing purpose-built facilities elsewhere in the area already catered adequately for Torquay’s aged-care demand.
They said a Great Ocean Road management plan released last year had identified the value of high-end tourism accommodation facilities such as The Sands in attracting overseas visitors.
Mr Martonheyli said Handbury had no recourse to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, effectively spelling an end to the proposal in its existing form.
The Independent was unable to contact the Handbury Group before going to press.
The aged-care plan coincided with the RACV’s redevelopment of Torquay Golf Course, which included the addition of accommodation facilities.
