RESIDENTS of Collins Street in Mentone have spoken up to object a development of an aged care residence.
Collins Street resident Adrianna Pavlekovic said that “neighbours are outraged” that a proposal is before council to construct a four storey development “in a quiet dead end street”.
“I am representing a large group of objectors in relation to an application to amend an existing permit in Mentone. The site is located in Collins Street and has a planning permit for a 126 bed aged care facility over 3 levels plus basement,” she said.
“The applicant has applied to amend the permit to include another storey, increase the building footprint on the site, include the land next door, increase the bed numbers, remove the basement and negatively change the setbacks and interfaces with neighbouring properties.
“This has caused a huge up brawl in the local community, who were content with the existing permit. It is purely a money making exercise to squeeze as many beds as possible on to the site with bare minimum parking allowed for. The people of Mentone and the wider community are disgusted that council are even considering this application as an amendment.”
Ms Pavlekovic said that there are over 30 objectors to the development, and that if council votes to allow the amendment there will be a VCAT appeal.
Kingston councillors carried a motion on 26 August 2017 that said council “notes and endorses Mercy Health Australia Ltd assuming control of Southern Cross Care” and “notes and endorses the sale and leasing terms previously agreed between SCCV and Council”, including “constructing a new residential aged care home on 101-103 Collins Street, Mentone, Victoria of a range of 112-128 places (beds)”.
Ms Pavlekovic said she expects the matter to be heard at Kingston Council’s 25 February meeting.
Mercy Health were contacted for comment.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 20 February 2019