Developer describes retirement village plans

The developer of a proposed retirement village has described his plans for the bush block near St John the Baptist Primary School on the corner of Veron Rd and Hillview St, Woy Woy.

The Catholic Church, which owns the land, has signed an "option to purchase" with developer Providence Projects which is applying to redevelop the block.

According to the Providence Projects, the village and the units have all been designed to complement the sensitive bush block.

"Everglades retirement village" will have 41 units, 10 freestanding villas and 31 apartments, but will only cover 30 per cent of the entire block, with 70 per cent of the land remaining, said Providence Projects managing director Mr John Zavolokin.

"We've saved on land by going up to two storeys, but we've been sensitive to the neighbours putting one storey developments near the boundary.

"We have a bigger set back than they do," he said.

The development would only have one road in and out, with the rest of the roads going underground for parking.

"We have designed it so that the underground driveways will not alter the drainage and run off and the topography of the land will not be affected," he said.

The design also included a seven-metre setback at the front of the development and 20 metre setback at the back near the creek, greater than current Council requirements.

The land just inside the corner of the Veron and Hillview would remain undeveloped.

"The village will have raised walkways to protect the land and a bush management plan has already been prepared," Mr Zavolokin said.

The village would have many features of an eco-village, he said.

Some existing plants would remain including a rare corkwood tree and a banksia, which would become the centrepiece of the development.

"The land will be taken better care of than it is now.

"There's lantana through there and the land has all been pulled up where people have ripped out grass trees and from vandalism," Mr Zavolokin said.

"We'll also clean up the undergrowth which is fuel for bushfires.

"There will be some improvements and some replanting.

"If you go down there now, there are already trees tagged which we want to save.

"Seventy per cent of the bush will still remain."

He said the design of the units was also environmentally friendly.

They would be on stilts above the ground and include energy saving measures.

"We'll be recycling water, and have tanks for run off to use for irrigation."

Solar energy would be used for some electricity and natural light and ventilation would be maximised with lots of skylights and efficient design.

"This will minimise air conditioning costs and lighting," Mr Zavolokin said.

Mr Zavolokin said that, while the apartments were not an addition to affordable housing, he hoped local residents might move to the new village, leaving their current residences available for a growing population.

"It's better than a subdivision as there will only be one owner-operator."

He said he was very excited about the development which is the first of its kind and the result of the design of a Central Coast team of experts in the aged care industry.

"The development is 100 per cent compliant with disabled access.

"There are many subtle features incorporated in the design to make a world of difference to lifestyle, enjoyment, fulfilment, comfort a sense of security and peace of mind to senior living," he said.

It would also be a gated community with extensive retirement village facilities such as pool, spa gymnasium, community centre and craft rooms.

Each flat would have ensuite, walk-in robe and family room.

If approved, the development should be completed within two years.

Cr Terri Latella, of the Greens, has already earmarked her interest in the property, asking a question without notice at the Gosford Council meeting on Tuesday, May 11.

She asked that the development application be brought before Council because the land was sensitive.

Liberal representative for Peats, and former councillor, Ms Debra Wales, is calling on the council to purchase the land.

Alison Branley, May 13