

Delivering the Long-Term Vision for Encounter Bay Over 55s Living
Welcome to Hometown Australia’s online information page where you can stay up to date about the proposed development, view the application assessment process and review development plans. If you have any queries, please contact the team at EncounterBay@HometownAustralia.com.au.
Planning Application Submitted
Hometown Australia has submitted a Planning Application to the City of Victor Harbor for an over 55s residential land lease community on the parcel of land on the corner of Tabernacle Road, Bay Road and Waitpinga Road in Encounter Bay. The land has been approved for urban development since the 2011 subdivision approval and is zoned for urban residential development. The proposed Planning Application is for an over 55s residential land lease community containing 267 architecturally designed homes and a range of resident amenities providing housing supply and choice, high quality landscaping and infrastructure. For an overview of the Residential Park and all key assessment parameters, please see our Planning Statement below.
The application includes:
- Opportunities for locals looking to downsize into a secure community, with a range of amenities promoting an active and socially connect lifestyle.
- Support of low density living with 20 dwellings per hectare as per the Planning & Design code.
- Home designs to be single-storey, modern and low-maintenance to support quality of lifestyle appropriately designed for an aging population.
- Enhancement of stormwater management, with quantity controls and quality treatment.
- An increase in native vegetation and protection of street trees in Tabernacle Road which in combination with the low-profile dwellings will complement the natural landform and landscape treatments.
- Low traffic volumes, compared to standard residential subdivision. The demographic and population of Hometown Australia communities’ results in fewer vehicle trips in peak periods. Unlike other forms of residential housing, vehicle trips from HTA communities are spread throughout the day and rarely coincide with local morning and afternoon peak traffic periods.
- The site has an existing land division approval which would accommodate approximately 160 residential lots and an average of 400-people (2.5 persons per dwelling). By comparison, the proposal increases open space, landscaping and is likely to reduce the total resident population to around 375-people (1.4 persons per dwelling).
A full range of documents have been submitted to Council for assessment including:
- Architectural Plans (Aube)
- Planning Statement (Ekistics)
- Landscape Master Plan (Studio 151)
- Services Assessment Report (Fyfe)
- Stormwater Management Plan (Fyfe)
- Transport Impact Assessment (ETA)
- Native Vegetation Data Report (Jeremy Ross-Carter)
Planning Application Timeline (Estimate Only)
Late 2025 – Submit Planning Application
- Application submitted to Victor Harbor Council for a Residential Park
Early 2026 – Council Assessment & Public Consultation
- Council will publicly notify the development. Dates will be confirmed by Council
- Hometown Australia will respond to public comment and update this website
Mid-2026 – Decision on the Planning Application
- Timing of the decision is dependent on Council’s assessment
- Hometown Australia will update this website at the project progresses
2027 Onward
- Subject to relevant approvals, Hometown Australia aims to commence construction.
- Details of home prices and dates will be provided at that time.
Over 55s Lifestyle Community
Hometown Australia will develop, own and operate the land lease community as an over-55s lifestyle community, providing independent living in a secure community environment. The proposed amenities will include a clubhouse, indoor swimming pool, bowling green, and pickleball court to support a physically and socially active lifestyle.
Over 55s Lifestyle Community Living
Picture starting your day with a walk down to Encounter Bay where you’ll enjoy the calm waters, perfect for a swim. Enjoy the relaxed community morning teas or spend time socialising with friends over a game of bowls or pickleball.





