An application for a 40-unit retirement home in Gisborne has raised concerns about over-development in the Macedon Ranges.
Residents turned to Facebook this month to express their concerns that the proposal for 1 Kilmore Road was unnecessary.
But while some are calling for developments to “stop ruining our town,” others believe there is need for more aged-care facilities.
The Kilmore Road property is mainly vacant land, apart from one building – Macedon House, which is National Trust-listed and is on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Macedon House is a former early Victorian hotel described as “of historical, architectural and archaeological significance” by the Victorian Heritage Register.
Macedon Ranges council confirmed that an application has been filed for the site.
Planning and environment director Sophie Segafredo said the owners of Macedon House had applied for a combined planning scheme amendment and planning permit application that will allow for the restoration of Macedon House and the development of the surrounding land into a retirement home.
Ms Segafredo said council officers were assessing the application and were expected to brief the council in coming months.
However, the privately-owned property is also for sale with real estate agent Rodney Morley.
Mr Morley said he believed the plans for a retirement village would “complement” the “gateway to Gisborne”.
“It’s for the people in the area,” he said.
“It’s an ugly piece of land as it lies there now. Trees are fallen over and it’s a boarded-up house.”
