MOUNT Gambier Bowls Club members are “disappointed” with a City Council staff report recommending elected members vote down the proposed construction of an all-weather shelter over the club’s B Green.
Elected members debated the proposed 1560m2 Colorbond canopy, funded by the club through a $100,000 State Government grant and a benefactor, at last night’s council meeting.
A report authored by council governance manager Michael McCarthy recommended council “strongly objected” to the proposed development on council-owned land based on the current design, but supported covering the greens to create an all-weather facility.
Club president Ian Von Stanke, who until recently served as a councillor, said executive members were disappointed by the recommendation given the collaboration on design between council, Local Heritage and the club.
“We have been in negotiations with the heritage fellow and council staff to get the development where it would be accepted by the Development Assessment Panel,” Mr Von Stanke said.
“None of us had any idea that council staff would not support it, we have been working with them over the last 12 months.”
Under the current plans, the proposed structure would be constructed using Colorbond material, with a mist grey coloured facade while the southern wall would include a feature wall made of rendered stone.
It is proposed to be 39 by 40 metres, with a height of six metres.
Fabric roll up curtains would also be installed along the sides of the canopy.
Council’s report outlines “significant concerns” about the canopy’s likelihood to “detract from the character, amenity and appearance of Vansittart Park” and surrounding areas.
“The canopy size, proposed setback and enclosed nature of the development will block important views and vistas and become the dominant built form within the subject locality,” Mr McCarthy wrote in the report.
“It does not compliment nor reflect the pattern of existing development and will detract from the existing character of the subject locality.”
In the report, Mr McCarthy raised concerns with the area’s “oppressive nature” due to the “very low trusses and roof relative to the roof span”.
“In summer low steel roofs create an uncomfortable environment with roof surfaces radiating heat at close range directly onto the users,” he said.
“Heat gain from skylights and radiation will also be trapped by the curved roof form.
“A higher roof and alternative roof treatments can overcome these issues.”
Mr Von Stanke defended the proposed design, saying a similar structure was erected in Port Douglas “which has more oppressive weather than Mount Gambier”.
Council’s report was buoyed by a recommendation from Limestone Coast Heritage Adviser Richard Woods to deny the club’s application “due to its sitting, lack of setbacks and built form”.
The heritage adviser also recommended council consider alternative locations for an all-weather bowling green.
Mr Von Stanke said major alterations to the current plans would potentially result in the club having to return the $100,000 State Government grant.
