Appeal lodged in golf course battle

An appeal has been lodged over the rejection of plans for a 68-bay driving range on the former North Lakes Golf Course.

JH Northlakes has, as expected, appealed to the Planning and Environment Court after Moreton Bay City Council last month refused its development application.

A spokesperson for the company said at the time: “JH Northlakes is of the view that the proposed driving range is a permitted use on the land and will be appealing the refusal to the Planning and Environment Court.”

But added: “We hope that this matter can be resolved in mediation with Council.”

JH Northlakes’s application was for a 68-bay driving range, pro shop, bar, restaurant and conference/function facilities.

The proposal was to use 2.1 hectares of the 67-ha former course, including the Bridgeport Dr clubhouse and three holes running parallel directly north.

However, Moreton Bay City Council ruled the development application did not comply with the Mango Hill Infrastructure Development Control Plan.

Council’s reasons included the proposal did not provide “visual relief and aesthetic amenity to the urban landscape”.

The Save North Lakes Golf Course (SNLGC) campaign group, which has twice fought plans for the course, believes Council’s decision was correct for “sound and well-documented” reasons.

In a note to members, SNLGC said it hopes Council “defends this decision on every point” and “any concession or approval would set a precedent that chips away at the DCP”.

An application, through the State Government MID process, is still anticipated for a new school on the southern end of the former golf course.