The council’s revised plans said the project would “meet the contemporary requirements of football clubs and the AFL, whilst opening up views, supporting accessibility and universal access, providing additional open space infrastructure and respecting the values of Middle Head’s natural heritage.”

Kimber, who described herself as “a very passionate sportswoman”, said the proposed pavilion was “much bigger than just a new toilet block. “It has all these (community) principles behind it.”

“We are very excited about this and it will mean a lot to the community.”

Kimber said the covered area was “not much of a grandstand” and that architects had designed the project to provide shade and act as an open clubhouse, rather than expanding the footprint of the building.

L’Estrange said the community had not been adequately consulted about the proposal, which attracted 279 submissions to the trust. They have not been published.

Charging

“We believe the impacts on the environment and heritage will be significant and should be referred to Minister Plibersek,” he said.

Headland Preservation Group founder Linda Bergin said it was the most significant development proposed for Middle Head since a proposed aged care facility the group fought in 2013.

“This will open the door to further development in Middle Head,” Bergin said.

The trust said it was assessing the application and would “carefully consider a range of relevant matters, including potential impacts on the heritage values ​​of the site”.

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