Bayside councillors have called from more information on a draft planning proposal to rezone the former Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club site at Monterey to allow medium density housing.
The draft planning proposal for the 7218 square-metre site at 119 Barton Street, Monterey was due to go to the Department of Planning for Gateway determination.
But the proposal was deferred at the June 13 council meeting at the request of Botany Bay Ward councillor James MacDonald for a briefing by the General Manager to enable councillors to get further understanding of the matter.
Cr MacDonald described the site as one of the few remaining private recreation spaces near the waterfront.
“Recreational space is at a premium and we have got to see if we can protect it,” he said.
“We need more information before we make an informed decision.”
The draft planning proposal seeks to rezone the site from RE2 Private Recreation Zone to R3 Medium Density Residential Zone.
It also seeks to introduce a minimum lot size of 450sqm metres, maximum building height of 8.5 metres and a floor space ratio of 0.6:1.
The draft planning proposal seeks to apply the same planning controls as applies to surrounding lots, which are currently zoned R3 Medium Density.
Under the current RE2 Private Recreation zoning, there are no development standards that apply to building height, minimum lot size or floor space ratio.
An independent traffic report by Bitzios raised no concerns about the impact of a potential development on the surrounding road network.
A council report said the planning proposal will enable infill development providing diverse housing stock within close proximity of public transport and the Kogarah health and education precinct.
Bayside Council’s planning and design staff believe the proposed controls would not have adverse amenity impacts on adjacent properties and the neighbourhood character.
The developer is still required to submit a separate development application to provide more site specific details about the development, which would be subject to community consultation.
The Bayside Planning Panel has recommended the council endorse the draft Planning Proposal to be forwarded to the Department of Planning for Gateway determination.
The Planning Panel is of the view that the proposed rezoning will allow for development that is in character with the adjoining residential area.
If the planning proposal goes to the Department of Planning endorses the planning proposal for the site it will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback.
