A high-profile planning application for Southlands National Park was pulled from the agenda of the Development Applications Board before it could be debated.

The proposal, which includes the creation of a café, public parking, walking trails and improved beach access, had been included in the agenda for the DAB’s Wednesday meeting with a recommendation for refusal.

However, according to the minutes of the meeting, the application was pulled from the agenda with no reason for the change of plans stated.

The DAB is scheduled to meet again on July 29 but the agenda for that session has yet to be released.

The planning application, submitted last year, focused on works on the portion of the park south of South Road with a public parking area proposed for the western side of the area and a café overlooking South Shore.

The application said: “It is envisaged that the proposed improvement/development scheme will be accorded the appropriate attention and support to enable the transformation of the national park for beneficial use for all.”

The proposal, however, garnered dozens of objections with environmental groups, neighbours and members of the public voicing opposition to its scale and the lack of an overarching management plan for the park.

The National Parks Commission also declined to support the proposal, with technical officers for the Department of Planning recommending the application be refused in a report signed this week.

Read more here: https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20260717/southlands-plans-get-pulled-from-board-meeting/