MEDICAL and aged care services in the Whittlesea township are part of a Development Plan approved by Council for land opposite the Funfields Theme Park.
The City of Whittlesea approved the plan for land at 2388 Plenty Road Whittlesea, at its meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
The plan proposed the 4.5-hectare site, which is currently used for grazing, be developed to include a medical centre, supporting aged care and independent living facilities.
There is provision for commercial uses at the northern end of the site, adjacent to the existing industrial area. Further planning permissions for these uses would need to be secured by the developer.
The draft development plan and supporting documents were placed on non-statutory exhibition for four weeks across November and December 2024.
Valuable feedback was provided by residents and agencies during the public consultation period on a range of issues, including traffic safety and congestion, building heights and neighbourhood character.
As a result of the feedback, changes were made to the final development plan, including reduction of building heights, the treatment of the Green Wedge land and the Plenty Road frontage.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor said it would be a great opportunity for Whittlesea’s planning going forward.
“The development plan fulfils the requirements of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme and meets a community need for medical and aged services,” he said.
“The proposed uses of the site will generate employment opportunities for residents and allow more of Whittlesea’s older residents to remain in the community as they age. Importantly, this means that people will be able to maintain their existing social connections with families and friends.”
The plan was approved with additional requirements, including that the developer construct the roundabout to provide access prior to development of the land, that buildings are set back from Plenty Road with a landscape treatment, and that the design ensures minimal impact on the privacy, views and amenity of residents to the south.
