Tamworth Council loses appeal over Longyard golf development

According to the Northern Daily Leader website, the Tamworth Regional Council is facing substantial out of pocket costs after losing a court appeal over the proposed Longyard golf course development project.

Last October the council rejected a $30 million retirement village proposal from Longyard owner John O’Rourke, who said the course was unprofitable and faced closure if surplus land was unable to be converted into a mixed over-50s village and small residential precinct. Designed by Bob Harrison while working for Greg Norman Golf Course Design in the 1980s and 90s, the Longyard golf course is one of regional NSW’s best and will benefit from the development via improved water security and through an ongoing stake in the retirement village itself.

A statement from Longyard Golf Course on their Facebook page

Today’s Land & Environment Court verdict permits the Majestic Lifestyle Resort — a planned Luxury Over 50’s Development — to go ahead at Longyard Golf, vindicating it as correctly zoned & mitigated.

This Over 50s Resort was carefully designed to provide much needed extra water and a future income stream to the golf course, as well as giving Tamworth retirees the option of a premium golf course lifestyle. It is unfortunate the court process was so costly, especially to Tamworth ratepayers.

Longyard Golf & the O’Rourke family extend sincere thanks to members & locals for their support throughout this difficult time, and, especially, to our excellent team of staffers for keeping everything running smoothly.

We are now looking forward to a bright future for our course, where it can thrive, and golfers and residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

It was Majestic Lifestyle Resort developer Bob Anderson who challenged the council decision last year in the Land and Environment Court, arguing that the reason for its rejection, conflict with a neighbouring sports precinct, was misguided. He says the resort and residential estate will live ‘harmoniously’ with the sporting area. The court agreed, in part because of strong support from the community.

We naturally hope the decision makes the future clearer for golfers in Tamworth, and for the course itself.

 

From the Northern Daily Leader article:

 

The Land and Environment Court upheld Mr Andersen's appeal and, in a statement, he said there has been overwhelming support and interest from the community.

Tamworth Regional Council argued the 99-lot development could detrimentally effect future investments in the area, including plans for a "regional stadium".

Mr Andersen said the neighbouring precinct would be a "huge benefit" to future resort residents and many would "choose to live in the resort for the proximity to the precinct".

"At all times we have respected and continue to respect the regional and national significance of the sporting precinct," he said.

"During the court process, we have worked closely and cooperatively with relevant council expert consultants to mitigate any potential impacts and mutually agree on all aspects of the development, and it was by final opinion of the court that both developments can live harmoniously together."

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