Bowling club lodges application to upgrade gaming area

A local bowling club has lodged a development application to alter its premises including changes to its gaming area and toilets.

The Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club has estimated the works to its Springwood St premises will cost $1.2 million.

According to a statement of environmental effects lodged with the application, the proposal is aimed at upgrading the club's gaming area but will maintain the existing number of gaming machines.

"The Central Coast is well known for its highly competitive club market, including a number of well-known large football-based clubs in the local area," the statement said.

"Smaller clubs such as Ettalong Bowling Club need to stay updated and upgraded with current trends and legislation to remain relevant and viable," it said.

"Collectively the plans and reports confirm that the proposal is acceptable and satisfied the relevant planning controls.

"The proposal results in the loss of seven on site car parking spaces [but] the minor reduction in spaces is not considered to be excessive."

The proposal includes the refurbishment of the club's existing indoor gaming room; extension of the existing gaming area for outdoor alfresco gaming (57 square metres); construction of new amenities in the outdoor area including an accessible toilet; increasing existing landscaping by 62 square metres; and reconfiguration of parking spaces.

The club currently provides 204 off-street parking spaces including six disabled spaces.

A traffic report submitted to Central Coast Council with the application concluded that the onsite parking remains adequate for the existing club including the proposed works and outdoor area.

There were no proposed changes to the existing hours of operation of the club.

The proposed additions and alterations will be single storey and were "considered acceptable and reflective of the desired character of the Umina area".

According to the statement of environmental effects, the new outdoor area will be monitored by staff as they undertake their duties around the club and the external gaming area is to have CCTV services.

According to the statement supporting the application, the proposal satisfied the objectives of the Gosford Local Environmental Plan, "particularly as the club provides recreation, leisure and entertainment services to residents and visitors of the Central Coast".

"The club is a significant employer in the local area and contributes to the local community through its recreational club, and associated groups and financial support of the community."

The site is currently zoned RE2 for Private Recreation so the existing club is permissible with Council consent and additions and alterations to the club are also permissible.

"The proposal is sited well within the boundaries of the existing car park area.

"The proposed extension is relatively minor in relation to the site and floor area of the existing club and its grounds, including four bowling greens," the statement of environmental effects concluded.

Website, 21 Dec 2016

Application tracker DA51279/2016, Central Coast Council