Council has resolved to support the Torquay Bowls Club's planning application to allow for upgrades of its facilities and has issued a notice of decision to grant a planning permit.
The works include installation of a third bowling green, additions to the existing clubhouse, new lighting, reconfigured car park and removal of vegetation, including 16 Moonah trees. All proposed works are entirely within the bowls club site.
The application received officer support due to its strong alignment with the strategic planning policies of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme, its appropriate response to the Heritage Overlay, and the long‑standing community role of the bowls club.
The club has operated on the site for more than 100 years. The redevelopment will provide improved facilities and support increased participation, creating positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.
Overall, the proposal is considered to deliver a clear net community benefit.
With respect to the removal of Moonah trees within the site boundary, the trees were planted by the bowls club and are understood to be approximately 25 years old. They are not considered to have heritage value and do not require planning approval for their removal.
A separate approval process will be required through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for offset planting opportunities within Taylor Park.
FAQs
Who lodged the planning application and when?
The planning application was lodged with Council on 30 May 2025 by the Torquay Bowls Club.
Consent for the application was also provided by:
- The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) as the public land manager, and
- The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) as the Committee of Management.
What is proposed in the application?
The proposal includes the redevelopment of the Torquay Bowls Club, comprising:
- A new bowling green.
- Additions to the existing clubhouse.
- New lighting.
- Reconfigured car parking, resulting in a net increase of 9 spaces.
- Removal of vegetation, including 16 Moonah trees along the northern boundary, and other vegetation.
All proposed works are entirely within the Bowls Club site.
No works or vegetation removal will occur within Taylor Park.
What was Council's decision?
We have resolved to support the planning application and have issued a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit.
Why did Council support the proposal?
We supported the redevelopment because:
- The Torquay Bowls Club has operated on this site for over 100 years. It plays an important role on the community, and the redevelopment will provide improved facilities and support increased community participation.
- The Moonah trees proposed for removal were planted by the Bowls Club and are estimated to be around 25 years old. They are not considered to have heritage value and do not require planning approval for their removal.
- The proposal aligns strongly with the strategic planning policies of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.
- It appropriately responds to the Heritage Overlay.
- It provides adequate car parking.
Overall, the proposal is considered to deliver a clear net community benefit.
What consultation occurred?
The application was advertised in October 2025 via:
- 169 letters sent to affected properties.
- One public notice sign displayed on site.
We received 40 objections during the notice period.
Additionally, the Bowls Club undertook separate community engagement outside the statutory planning process. The application was prepared in consultation with GORCAPA, who supported the concurrent public notice.
What were the main grounds of objections?
The key issues raised in objections included:
- Removal of native vegetation (including the Moonah trees) and concerns about insufficient offset planting.
- Loss of biodiversity and bird habitat resulting from vegetation removal.
- Traffic and parking impacts.
- Perceived lack of community consultation.
- Loss of public green space.
- Potential encroachment into the Tree Protection Zones of trees within Taylors Park.
- Increased noise and light spill.
- Visual bulk and scale of the proposed new buildings.
There are conditions included in the Notice of Decision that address a number of these concerns, particularly those relating to tree protection, noise, light spill, and the requirement for a Traffic Management Plan.
For a detailed summary of objections and our responses, please refer to the delegate report.
When would the Moonah trees be removed?
We have included a condition requiring that the Moonah trees must be retained on site and cannot be removed until redevelopment works have commenced.
What other approvals are required?
Separate approvals will be required from DEECA for offset planting opportunities within Taylor Park.
A building permit will also be required before any works can commence.
