Rebuff on amenities block

Gosford Council officers have recommend that council refuse an application to retain the men's amenities building west of the Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Officers stated that the retention of the building "will have a detrimental impact on the scenic quality of the foreshore and impact unreasonably on the views of adjoining properties".

The application to retain the existing western amenities block was supported by information from the club stating "the new club building is of insufficient size due to the growth in membership".

The applicant wanted the amenities block to be refurbished, including removal of toilets and showers.

Bricks would be rendered to match the new club, a new roller door added, and a driveway built from the existing car park to a new entry.

The applicant stated that the amenities block would have provided a storage area for council's lifeguards and the Ocean Beach surf club.

Council's assessing planner stated that the first application, when the new surf club was being constructed, was notified to the strata manager of affected unit owners located opposite the site.

The planner stated: "Unfortunately the Strata Manager did not notify relevant unit owners who therefore were unaware that under the s96 proposal the building was to be lengthened by eight metres and impact on their southerly ocean view.

"The s96 application was then approved as there were no objections received, albeit views were in fact impacted upon.

"As construction began affected unit owners realised the extent of the impact and complained to council.

"Resolution of the matter was achieved by the affected unit owners being advised that both the existing amenities buildings would be demolished."

The planner also stated that the removal of the old amenities buildings was seen as a way to reduce the anti-social behaviour in the area.

Council agenda ENV.28, 1 Apr 2008