Windang development questioned

A large scale development which will see a brand new bowling club and 125 senior living units built on the existing Windang Bowling Club site has caused contention between developers and some members of the local community.

The development application for the project, which will be unlike anything ever built in Windang, was lodged with Wollongong City Council in February this year.

Residents have expressed concern over the sheer size of the development however developers, Horizon Living, say while it is higher that the 11 metre limit set out in the regional plan the design of the buildings is such that issues of visual impact, shadowing and reflectivity have been addressed.

At its highest the complex will reach 15 to 16 metres according to Horizon.

Concerns have also been raised over the increase in traffic the development will cause and the proximity of this traffic to the local school, Windang Public.

Horizon said they have addressed these concerns with a layback incorporated into the design. They have also offered to fund the construction of a fence around the primary school in an effort to avoid students dashing across the road. These solutions were reached after consultation between Windang Primary P&C and Horizon.

Horizon said with most of Windang only single or double storey this development will stand out however they say there is a need for such a development in Windang, particularly in light of the suburb's older age demographic.

Windang Bowls Club President Ken Forbes said the redevelopment of the club is vital in ensuring the clubs longevity and sees this development as a much needed step.

"The club is in bad need of repair," he said.

Mr Forbes estimated the club would remain viable for between three and five years into the future before high maintenance costs and dwindling membership numbers would see the club close its doors.

Windang residents held a meeting last Tuesday to discuss the development and the impact it would have on their community.

There is still time to have your say. The development application will be on public exhibition until Wednesday May 2.

A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said so far responses to the development application have been mixed however it was said that about two thirds of responses were in favour of the development with the remaining third against it.