Levande Living Towering Above Leafy Lifestyle
A major retirement village expansion has won approval in Wantirna South despite strong opposition from nearby residents.
The project at 466 Burwood Highway will add 172 retirement living units across two apartment buildings reaching six and seven storeys. The redevelopment will also replace existing villas with higher-density apartments and new communal facilities.
However, many residents believe the approval represents something much larger than a single development.
They argue Knox is gradually losing the leafy suburban identity that has attracted families for decades. Instead, they object to the municipality shifting towards higher-density housing, increased congestion and growing pressure on already stretched infrastructure.
While supporters describe the project as necessary to meet future retirement housing demand, opponents believe decision-makers have again overlooked community concerns.
Significant Objections Failed to Change the Outcome
Residents lodged 15 formal objections during the planning process.
Those objections raised concerns about building height, neighbourhood character, traffic, parking, privacy and overshadowing.
Residents also point to planning scheme amendment C149, which enabled the change. They note the amendment itself attracted 106 community objections.
Nevertheless, Knox Council approved the application.
As a result, many objectors say they feel unheard.
Several residents have questioned how community consultation influences planning decisions when widespread opposition fails to alter the outcome.
Existing Residents Face Relocation
The redevelopment will require the demolition of existing retirement village homes.
Consequently, some existing residents will need to relocate while construction proceeds.
Although the developer has committed to assisting affected residents, some families say relocation will disrupt established friendships, routines and support networks.
For older residents, those changes can be particularly significant.
It is also understood residents will lose their office and amenity building whilst the development occurs.
Is Knox Losing Its Leafy Character?
For generations, Knox has featured tree-lined streets, open space and a low-density suburban environment near the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Many residents say they chose Knox because it offered a different lifestyle from Melbourne’s higher-density suburbs.
However, opponents believe approvals for larger developments are steadily changing that identity.
They argue the municipality risks becoming increasingly urban as multi-storey developments replace lower-density neighbourhoods.
Infrastructure Under Increasing Pressure
Beyond the buildings themselves, residents remain concerned about cumulative impacts.
Many question whether local roads, intersections and surrounding infrastructure can accommodate continued population growth.
Traffic along Burwood Highway already experiences heavy congestion during peak periods. The intersection serving the retirement village entrance, along with Melbourne Street near Westfield Knox, also records frequent motor vehicle accidents.
Furthermore, nearby residential streets regularly experience parking pressure during busy shopping and school periods. Tyner Road and Tyner Road East already carry significant parking demand.
Near Wantirna South Primary School, parents often park within the neighbouring football club grounds and surrounding streets.
At the Tyner Road East end, residents, including those in Huntingdon Drive, regularly face gridlock. Parents attending St Andrews Private School create heavy congestion during morning and afternoon drop-off periods.
The seven-storey high-rise at 135 Tyner Road, a more recent development, has created more traffic and parking pressures.
Objectors also raised concerns about extra demand on drainage, sewerage, health services and community infrastructure as development continues.
Supporters, however, argue the site sits opposite Westfield Knox and close to public transport. Therefore, they believe it suits increased housing density.
A Debate That Extends Beyond One Development
The Levande proposal has sparked a broader discussion about Knox’s future.
Supporters view the project as an important investment in retirement living for an ageing population.
Conversely, opponents see it as another step towards transforming Knox from a leafy family municipality into a denser urban centre.
Regardless of opinion, the approval has reignited debate over how Knox should grow while preserving the character that many residents believe makes the municipality unique.
