A controversial redevelopment of Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney’s northwest, including units for seniors, is moving closer despite community opposition – but the NSW Government has advised a scaled-back proposal.
The redevelopment, which would involve a new clubhouse (pictured) as well as 193 independent living units for seniors on land currently zoned for recreational purposes, has been issued a site compatibility certificate by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel.
Though the panel unanimously ruled that the site was suitable for “intensive development”, it told the club to scale back the proposal and ensure the design was “responsive to the neighbourhood character”, as reported in the Daily Telegraph.
Local community groups have stridently opposed the redevelopment, citing not only increased congestion in the area but also the rejection by the club of a memorial for four children who were killed at the site by an intoxicated driver in February 2020.
“The club dismissed the memorial plans saying that they were too elaborate and would unnecessarily remind neighbours and the first responders of the tragedy.
“At the time of the memorial proposal, the club said the size, scale and indemnity of the memorial were considered in the decision,” a petition read.
The club must now submit a development application to City of Parramatta Council, which had submitted a statement to the panel opposing the granting of the certificate.
