The major development declaration (Declaration) made by Mr John Rau, Minister for Planning on 30 March 2017 applies to all proposed retirement villages and aged care facilities valued at over $20 million.
The Declaration was made in recognition of South Australia and Greater Adelaide’s ageing population and the State’s aspiration to be a global leader in health and ageing.
The Declaration meant that all proposed retirement villages and aged care facilities satisfying the $20 million threshold would undergo a whole-of-government assessment process and Government Architect-led design review, as opposed to being assessed by Council or the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) against the provisions of the relevant development plan.
The aim of the Declaration was to streamline assessment of retirement villages and aged care facilities, particularly where the development plan did not envisage such development within the zone.
For Life Care, it appears that community opposition has won, resulting in the withdrawal of its retirement living proposals in Glen Osmond, Joslin and Norwood. The community’s key concerns were around the height and density of the proposals.
Minister Rau intends to revoke the Declaration because “it has become clear that broader community engagement in delivering aged-care is necessary”. Accordingly, proposed retirement villages and aged care facilities will revert to the pre March assessment processes.
If you would like more information about the revocation and how it might affect you, please contact Kathryn Walker or Leah Cowell.