City of Greater Geelong Council will request the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to consider submissions received on a residential development proposed for Point Lonsdale.

On Tuesday night the Council considered a report on a proposed 598 allotment residential project built around a canal style waterway system on the western edge of Point Lonsdale. The development proposal incorporates a 170 unit retirement village, a 120 bed aged care facility, a community centre and convenience store and extensive walking trails.

A Planning Scheme Amendment for the proposal was exhibited alongside an Environmental Effects Statement and received 227 submissions for an eight week period between 29 November 2007 and 29 January 2008.

City of Greater Geelong Planning portfolio holder Cr Rod Macdonald said Council would request the Planning Minister to appoint an independent panel to consider the submissions.

"The submissions received during the exhibition period cover a number of areas, including the environmental impacts, lot size and density, the appropriateness or otherwise of the residential zone, the potential impact of sea level rises as well as social impacts," Cr Macdonald said.

"The proposed development incorporates a tidal canal system and as a result there are particular environmental issues to be considered - for this reason the Planning Minister has specified that an Environmental Effects Statement be prepared in conjunction with the amendment application.

"The Independent Panel will also be asked to provide expert recommendations on the Environmental Effects Statement," Cr Macdonald added.

Beangala ward Councillor Jan Farrell said, "Council is well aware of the sensitive nature of the site in question, both from an environmental and social standpoint - the diligence with which this application has been assessed to date reflects this awareness."