The development proposal includes plans for 264 self-care units, 89 residential care rooms and associated community facilities. A two-storey clubhouse with a medical centre, gym, swimming pool, recreational space and restaurant are also included in the development.

Once approved the $100 million development is expected to be completed in four stages, starting with the aged care facility and clubhouse.

The over 55s facility, Milton Meadows Senior Housing, would be built on Windward Way, off Slaughterhouse Road.

Annscar Property Group director Roger Black, who lodged the development application, said people who bought a unit would own the unit and not lease it back from a company. 

“If they are going to buy it, they will own it,” he said. 

“They will pay a half-yearly maintenance levy of about $1000. It will be more for those who have lifts because they cost more to maintain.

“We wanted to come up with a better way of introducing retirement, where you get to own it and if it goes up in value, it is yours.”

Self care units will cost between $350,000 and $650,000, depending on the size of the unit, Mr Black said. 

More than 450 people are expected to live in the facility, which will be 80 per cent solar powered and built from prefabricated steel frames and hebel slabs.

“I am proud that we are going to use so much solar power,” Mr Black said. 

“The steel frames and hebel blocks are important because we are in a bush fire prone area. It may never happen, but we have to prepare for it.”

Residents aired their concerns at a community meeting on July 3 about access to the development being from the Princes Highway. Mr Black said Roads and Maritime Services would make the final decision on access to the facility. 

“If they want us to put traffic lights or a roundabout on the highway, we will do it,” he said. 

Mr Black said aged care facilities were required to cater for the aging population. 

“This development is so big that you won’t require another aged care facility for another ten years,” he said. 

“Aged care is necessary and there isn’t enough of it. People get to the point where they just can’t stay in their own home.”

Mr Black said the nursing home would employ “about 30 people”. Two doctors, two groundsmen and a maintenance person would also be employed at the facility, if it is approved.