Supporters of a seniors’ living development at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney’s north, which has met with significant community opposition, have eked out a narrow victory as just over half of club members voted to proceed.
Despite 49% of the 440 members voting against the proposal, which would see a new clubhouse (pictured) as well as 193 independent living units for seniors built on land that is currently zoned for recreation, the 51% majority voted to continue with the project.
If the development application is approved, the new clubhouse and retirement living units will be built on land near the site of a fatal drink driving accident which killed four children in February 2020, a memorial for whom was later rejected by the club.
City of Parramatta Council is opposed to the project, with Councillor Michelle Garrard telling the Daily Telegraph that the battle will continue to be fought.
“I think now’s probably the time where residents are going to oppose it and go hard.
“Once the development application has been lodged, residents will have to strongly come out and show opposition. It will really come down to people power,” she said.
The Sydney Central City Planning Panel issued a site compatibility certificate for the development in March, but advised the club to scale back its initial design.
