Council rejects DA for work on old school room

Council rejects DA for work on old school room

KATINA CURTIS

KIAMA Council has unanimously rejected another application by the developers of Kiama Blue to build apartments in the upper level of the old Infants’ School building.

Developers Colys Investments Pty Ltd wanted to build three two-storey suites on the upper level of the building.

Council environmental services director Andrew Knowlson said this proposal was very similar to two previous applications, both of which were refused.

After the last refusal, Colys Investments launched an appeal in the Land and Environment Court, however, this was withdrawn in July due to the wrong name being put on the application.

Mr Knowlson said the latest development application was refused because it sought to use the historic bluestone building for purposes other than as an art gallery, exhibition space or conference and function rooms.

He said the statement by Colys Investments that the upper level of the building “may not be used as a gallery or venue for conferences” was inconsistent with the Kiama Local Environmental Plan clause that had been specifically tailored to the building.

A council spokeswoman said the provisions about uses for the historic building had been a “really strict” part of the original development consent for the site.

Council general manger Michael Forsyth said the plans for the Kiama Blue hotel were approved on the condition that the school building was available to the public.

“Part of the overall package of approval was the public benefit, so council gave some concessions with respect to floor space and so on,” he said.

Mr Knowlson also said the proposed apartments had already largely been constructed without approval.