Former Gordon Bowling Club sites FAQs
Has Council rezoned and reclassified this site?
No. Council resolved not to rezone or reclassify the site on 16 August 2022.
What is reclassification?
Under the Local Government Act, all public land must be classified as either ‘Community’ land or ‘Operational’ land.
‘Community’ land is land Council makes available for use by the public; for example, parks, reserves and sports grounds. ‘Community’ land cannot be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by Council.
‘Operational’ land is land which facilitates the functions of Council and may not be open to the general public; for example, a works depot. An ‘Operational’ classification permits Council to sell, exchange or grant an interest to another party in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act.
Reclassification of public land occurs when its classification is changed from ‘Community’ to ‘Operational’.
What is the current zoning and classification of the site?
The site is currently zoned RE1 Public Recreation under the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan 2015 and currently classified as ‘Community’ land.
What were the changes proposed as part of the Planning Proposal?
The most recent Planning Proposal for the site sought to:
- Rezone from RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential.
- Apply a Maximum Height of Buildings 9.5m.
- Apply a Floor Space Ratio 0.3:1.
- Apply a Minimum Lot Size 840sqm.
- Reclassify the site from 'Community' land to ‘Operational’ land.
Council resolved to not proceed with the Planning Proposal on 16 August 2022.
Has Council resolved to sell the site?
No. The Council has not made any decision to sell the site. Such a decision would require a separate Council resolution and would be undertaken in accordance with Council's Acquisition and Divestment of Land Policy 2019.
Why did Council originally resolve to prepare a Planning Proposal for the site?
The site was occupied by the former Gordon Bowling Club, which leased the site from Council. In 2017 the Gordon Bowling Club advised Council that they wished to terminate the lease and vacate the site in early 2018. The key reason for the club terminating the lease was a significant decline in membership.
The site’s use under the current zoning does not offer the highest or best use of the site. Changing the zoning and reclassifying portions of the site would increase the capacity for different uses of the land and allow for future divestment. Funds from any future divestment of the site would be used to provide social and community infrastructure.
When can I have my say?
The most recent Planning Proposal for the site is not proceeding. A public exhibition was held which concluded 15 November 2021. This was followed by a public hearing on 24 February 2022.
If a Planning Proposal was to be re-submitted neighbouring residents will be notified in writing when the matter is placed on public exhibition.
Additionally, if the Planning Proposal includes the reclassification of the site from ‘Community’ to ‘Operational’ land, a public hearing is required. The public hearing will be chaired by an independent Chairperson. Residents will be notified of any public hearing and will have the opportunity to address the Chairperson.
Enquiries
Contact our Urban Planning Team on 9424 0000.