BRIMBANK seniors could spend their golden years living next door to a steel forge if a proposed Albion development goes ahead.
A retirement village of up to 165 homes planned for a site off Ballarat Rd has angered locals, conservationists and industry.
If approved, the development would stand metres from a 56-year-old forge used to heat and reshape metal for industry, mining, shipping and defence purposes.
The owner of Ferrous Forgings, Jon Heaviside, has called on Brimbank City Council to reject the proposal, fearing it will end his business.
Mr Heaviside said retirees would not want to live next door to his noisy business.
“Our business is the most important manufacturing business in Australia – the reason being we are the only forging company left in Australia,” Mr Heaviside said. “The plan shows that these units are going to be right next door to our forge, so after 56 years we’re being told sorry you’ll have to move on.”
Mr Heaviside said his business was noisy and could disturb residents of a retirement village.
The forge’s furnaces are also used to burn cannabis confiscated by police.
Conservationists have also attacked the plan.
The planned retirement village could see the loss of native grasslands near to Kororoit Creek.
Residents would also have to cross a six-lane highway to access public transport.
Brimbank Public Land Action Group member Karin Bashtannyk said the development was inappropriate and unsafe for potential residents.
“Most of us know that when we cross Ballarat Rd without access to a pedestrian crossing we face serious risk, so consider elderly and frail,” Ms Bashtannyk said.
“Inevitably, slower residents could never safely cross a six-lane highway.
“They would be prisoners in their own homes.”
Ms Bashtannyk said the grasslands in the area required burning off and could provide a hazard to older residents.
She also warned Brimbank councillors they faced a voter backlash if they supported the retirement village plan.
The decision on the application is due to be made at the Brimbank council meeting next Tuesday, 10 October.
