51995.1611.04 -Response to Submisions

    •   accessible on-site spaces, and
   • mode share behaviours
ensures that the site’s parking needs are and will continue to be met.

No new car parking obligations arise from the proposed change, and no increase in patron numbers is proposed.

3.6. Land Use Character and Planning Consistency
Summary of Issues Raised:

Some submissions expressed concern that the site has transitioned from a quiet community bowls club to a more
commercial hospitality venue, and that the proposed changes represent a departure from the intended character
and scale of the use. Specific issues included:
    • A belief that the site now functions as a pub rather than a recreational club;
    • Concern that the introduction of small-scale brewing (medium industry) reflects commercial
        intensification;
    • General perception that the character of the use is no longer compatible with the surrounding
        neighbourhood.

Planning Response:
The proposal does not involve a change in use. The site continues to operate under the existing approval for an
Indoor Entertainment use, which includes food and drink service, licensed areas, and recreational facilities. The
current application seeks an Other Change to realign the configuration of these components and to formalise low-
impact ancillary activities.

Importantly, the level of activity associated with the current and proposed operation is equal to or less than the
historical use of the premises when it operated as the Cooroy Bowls Club.

At its peak, the club hosted:
     • Regular weekly competitions and multiple lawn bowls tournaments involving visiting teams;
     • Community meetings, fundraisers, and civic functions;
     • Birthday celebrations, weddings, and milestone events;
     • A licensed bar and bistro with significant patron turnover during club events.

The social and recreational role played by the club historically generated considerable foot traffic, car parking
demand, and general activity within and around the site — levels which were readily accepted by the community
at the time.

What has changed in recent years is not the scale of use, but the model through which the club is sustained. Like
many regional bowls clubs across Queensland, Cooroy Bowls Club faced declining membership and financial
pressure.

The current operator has reactivated the site in a way that:
    • Retains bowling as a core community offering;
    • Maintains the recreational and liquor licensing approvals;


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