A DA to formalise what had been until now an unapproved camping ground at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club and showground, was given a stamp of approval at the June monthly ordinary meeting.

The 12.1ha site, which includes the showground, sports field, bowling club, public swimming pool, tennis courts, car parking and toilet facilities, has been operating as a free camp since the town was bypassed in 2015.

Reporting to the meeting, senior development planner, Craig Wilkinson said the application was to formalise the land use, which was partly located on council managed Crown land.

The DA requested approval for a 35 (primitive) campground on the site, which was zoned RE1 public recreation.

Campers would utilise existing toilets and showers associated with the sports fields and bowling club facilities.

According to Mr Wilkinson's report, the development was considered satisfactory:

Council received one objection to the proposal from an adjoining landowner, who claimed the application was "grossly short of information" and should be refused/rejected on this basis.

However, council claimed the submission did not raise any specific matter of contention or reason for not supporting the application with the exception of noting that, in the opinion of the author the application did not provide adequate information to undertake an assessment in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

"The submission did not raise any matters which would require the refusal of the development," the report said.

"The proposed development is considered likely to contribute to enhancing the use of the existing space."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: