Petition against mini soccer field

Gosford Council has received a petition containing 91 signatures objecting to a development application proposing to convert an unused bowling green at Woy Woy Bowling Club into two miniature outdoor soccer fields.

The development application was lodged by Kick Off Pty Ltd, a company renowned for its "expertise in the field of delivering high performance sporting venues and promoting a healthy way of life", according to an environmental impact statement lodged with Council.

"Kick Off encourages the sporting game of soccer and develops a safe venue for playing five-a-side teams on this community friendly venture," the report stated.

"The hours are within the standard operating hours of the club and they promote this sporting activity to all levels of performance."

The report states: "The proposed addition of the courts and safety fence has been designed with the elements of design and balance in mind and has no intentions of ruining the existing charm and character of its surrounds."

However, petitioners have objected to the development application on the grounds that it will cause increased noise, parking disturbance, have a lighting impact and propensity to increase outside use of alcohol.

Petitioners are also concerned that the proposal will increase traffic and is not aesthetically in harmony with the local area.

Petitioners are calling for council to reject the development application.

Council agenda P.52, 3 Nov 2009 Environmental Impact Statement, 13 Oct 2009 Jim Mahoney, Gosford Council