<< Peninsula New 27 June 2005 - Fine threat over unauthorised deck >>

Fine threat over unauthorised deck

Gosford Council has threatened Woy Woy Holdings with a $1.1 million fine for an unauthorised deck at the Woy Woy Bowling Club if it is not taken down, according to Woy Woy Holdings shareholder Mr Tony Altavilla.

Mr Altavilla labelled the fine "ridiculous" and said it was unfair, with only six of the club's neighbours complaining about the deck.

"There was an old deck there before," Mr Altavilla said.

"There used to be an old barbecue and entertainment area.

"We didn't have a development application, and didn't think we needed one."

Mr Altavilla said that no members of the club had complained about the deck.

"I don't think council want anyone to improve anything in this area," Mr Altavilla said.

"I built this voluntarily."

He said club members wanted it.

Mr Altavilla said work had ceased on the deck, while the issue was being resolved with within council.

He said that after being served with a "notice of intention" from council, a development application for the deck was lodged.

Mr Altavilla added that council stated the DA was not acceptable, as the process of building the deck had already begun.

Club chairman Mr Ken Dixon said the Bowling Club operated at the site under a tenancy agreement with Woy Woy Holdings and made a monthly rental payment.

Mr Dixon said that the Bowling Club had just come through a "very difficult financial situation" which resulted in it being placed under the control of an administrator and being forced to sell its property assets to Woy Woy Holdings Pty Ltd.

"The club's long term future is by no means assured and the provision of the deck by the landlord is seen as a step towards creating attractive facilities for members and guests to achieve improved trading results," Mr Dixon said.

"Our members are very keen to see the deck project proceed.

"It is our view that the operation of the deck will in no way be detrimental to the amenity and character of adjoining properties and surroundings.

"Indeed, it will fit comfortably with the range of buildings, grassed areas and bowling greens currently located on the site.

"The deck will provide an ideal viewing area for the bowling green and will add to the amenity of the site."

Mr Dixon said he asked council to reconsider its intention to give an order over the development and allow Woy Woy Holdings to complete the deck project for the benefit of members and guests of the Bowling Club as well as local residents and others who use the adjacent surroundings for fishing, boating and other recreational purposes.

A petition in support of the deck project was sent to the council from Woy Woy Bowling Club members in support of a proposed deck.

The petition, with 194 signatures, stated that they believed the deck would add to the amenity of the site and provide benefits to Club members and visitors, as well as to local residents and users of adjoining recreational facilities comprising parks, waterways, boat ramps and car and trailer parking.

Council agenda P.45, June 28 Stuart Baumann, June 23 Press release, May 27 Ken Dixon, Woy Woy Bowling Club