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It was feared by the residents that the proposed 120-bed facility would increase the volume of traffic by over 200 vehicles a day. There were also concerns over noise and safety.
In the judgment handed down in Maroochydore Planning and Environment Court, Judge Keith Dodds said he accepted existing Buderim residential care homes were operating at capacity, but it was “not imperative” that aged persons had care close to where they lived. He said other opportunities to build existed on the Sunshine Coast.
Council originally refused the proposal because it was not compatible with the existing scale and character of the area.
Retirement Properties of Australia had argued during the trial in June that there was an “acute shortfall” of residential aged-care beds on the Sunshine Coast and that the acute need overrode adverse effects on amenity and conflicts with planning schemes.
Resident Matt Stewart rejoiced at the news of the outcome.
“It’s good news for residents, particularly in Lynd Court,” he said.
“A dozen or so kids live here and this proposal presented a much higher safety risk because of the higher traffic flow.”
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