Council has backed the proposal by RetireAustralia for the 170-unit development but has flagged they intend to support preserving the city’s golf courses from residential development.

According to Robina-based councillor Hermann Vorster, the appeal of this proposal is that there will be no impact on the course itself with about three per cent of the golf course along an unused section being required.

Conditions of the council’s approval include reducing the size of one of three buildings closest to residential homes with 25 per cent of that building to be reduced by two storeys to four storeys, and the second 25 per cent by one storey making it a five-storey development. The balance of the project will remain six storeys with the aim to preserve the view for nearby residents.

Features will include a cafe, medical centre and shop.

RetireAustralia would lease the Burleigh Golf Club  land over a 102 years “resulting in a financial gain” for members.

The project which still needs to be passed by full council would provide the local population with much needed retirement facilities allowing older Burleigh residents to “age in place”.