A development application (DA) to enable major changes at Hurlstone Agricultural College was lodged at Campbelltown City Council.
But the council has no authority to approve or reject the DA, which was lodged by the NSW Department of Education on November 14 last year.
As the cost of the works listed in the DA is more than $5 million, the Sydney West Planning Panel will determine the application.
However, the assessment and notification responsibilities remain with council staff and the process is no different from that of any other DA.
A senior council source told the Voice that council will consider making a submission to the Panel.
The council, local members of parliament and much of the community remain opposed to plans to relocate the Hurlstone name and build a new high school at the Glenfield site.
Last week Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong called on council to stand by its opposition to the proposed changes for the historic Campbelltown school.
The government plans for the site also include massive new housing on the farm land surrounding Hurlstone.
The DA lodged by the department seeks approval for the demolition of an existing cottage, green houses, demountable rooms, goat shed, agricultural staff room and partial demolition of the front of building I.
None of the structures identified for demolition by the DA are identified as significant buildings with regard to the heritage listing for the site.
According to the DA lodged with council, the proposed new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths facility will include five science labs, six classrooms, visual arts workshop kitchen, staff study room, workshop, preparation area, four breakout areas, storage rooms, amenities and a central covered courtyard.
There will also be a partial refurbishment of a building to provide a new woodwork and metal workshop with store rooms.
External concrete walkways and courtyards surrounding the new building are also proposed.
The main structure proposed is a single storey one.
The Voice was told that Campbelltown Council staff will deal with the DA until it is ready for reporting to the Panel.
But while the Panel has been notified of the application it will have no involvement until the DA is ready for reporting.
I don’t understand what the complaint is about. Looks like they’re making improvements to the school. It has nothing to do with the relocation or the name. Just another example of Council stopping progress and not allowing kids to get new facilities.