Hard court is a hard case

Opponent of the planned courts, Neville resident Peter Ryan, spoke to councillors during the public forum before the June council meeting on Monday night. 

“The concept of a multi-purpose court in Neville has merit and we’re not against it in principle,” Mr Ryan said, “However the location of such a facility is a very sensitive issue.”

Of concern to Mr Ryan is the court’s location amongst six heritage listed structures identified in the development application.

Listed are the Neville Presbyterian Church, War Memorial Park and Memorial, Neville Public School, St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Streetscape of Crouch Street, Shop and Residence (Valley Store) and Neville Uniting Church and Churchyard.

Mr Ryan stated that even council’s own heritage adviser objects to the submission.

“Council’s heritage adviser has provided written advice, supported by detailed visits, that he is not going to support the application given the inconsistency of use and character of the proposed site,”

Supporter of the court’s location, Kevin Radburn, said that Neville was the only community in the shire not to have a multi-purpose court.

“The younger members of our village, the children at our public and the high school, and those working away from Neville, are very excited about getting this new facility,” he said.

“The location, next to our local park, is the perfect location.”

Mr Radburn also highlighted the new toilets that are to be built as well as the barbecue facilities as reasons why the site was best suited.

“It’s also close to the primary school where they can use the facility during and after school hours,” he said.

Mr Ryan said that not enough effort has gone into the planning of the site and believes that other solutions have been ignored.

“Nearly everyone in Neville drives, so why not have it out at the showground?” he said, “They were talking about car parking at this site, so they’re expecting people to drive.”

Mr Ryan said that the alternative at the current site would involve the loss of two eucalypts and an increase in the costs involved.

“If they were to set it right back eight or nine metres to comply with their DCP, so that it’s in line with the Presbyterian church, it would have much less of an visual impact,” he said.

“That is what startles us that councils first DA under the new DCP, doesn’t even meet the new DCP.”