Mona Vale residents have rallied against the proposed $23 million expansion of a nursing home. The plan, which would see the facility double in size, is facing scrutiny as the public comment period draws to a close.
Thompson Health Care, operators of 16 nursing homes across Sydney and New South Wales, submitted a development application to Northern Beaches Council earlier this month. The ambitious project aims to increase the nursing home’s capacity from 63 to 118 beds, a move that would significantly alter the landscape of Bassett Street, just 350 meters from Mona Vale Beach.
The proposal involves demolishing the existing nursing home — a former conference and convention centre converted in 2005 — along with two neighbouring houses now owned by Thompson. In their place would rise a new two-storey structure, complete with off-street parking for 38 vehicles and facilities to accommodate 50 staff working across several daytime shifts.
This latest application, lodged on July 9, is an amendment to a previously approved plan from April 2021. It includes modifications to the building’s layout, balcony designs, and bay windows. However, these changes have done little to quell local opposition, which has been mounting since the original development application in 2020 drew nearly 40 objections.
At the forefront of the resistance is the Mona Vale Community Group. In a joint submission prepared by town planning consultants, the group argued that the new building would result in a “jarring streetscape impact” and is inappropriate for an area zoned for “low density residential” use.
“The long, unarticulated length of this facade, is completely uncharacteristic of adjoining and nearby development,” the submission stated, highlighting concerns about the project’s scale and its potential to alter the neighbourhood’s character.
Individual residents have also voiced their apprehensions. Adam and Nicole Byrnes, in their submission to the council, emphasised that the proposed development “is in complete contrast with keeping to the character of the existing neighbourhood.”
Beyond aesthetic concerns, locals worry about practical implications. Britt Treloar predicts an increase in noise, particularly from service vehicles. “A facility of this size especially with trucks (delivery, garbage, nursing home bus) reversing/beeping into nursing home at all hours,” Treloar warned.
Published 29-July-2024
