Councillors heard residents’ concerns and from a representative in favour of the development application.

The proposal includes a water park, bicycle pump track and shaded play areas at Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.

The water park would include a water bucket which tipped at random intervals.

Construction of the bicycle pump track has started as it is classed as exempt development.

The site of the proposed water park and bicycle pump track contains cabin sites which would be relocated.

Part of an internal road is proposed for removal.

Vanessa Kelliher raised concerns about the noise.

“The main point of this objection is it’s going to be a great impact on the noise in this area,” she said.

“There are over 215 unit owners that are going to be affected by this offensive noise.”

She asked the council to consider the residents in the immediate area of the caravan park.

The development application went before the July 19 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting as the Development Assessment Panel was unable to reach consensus.

The application seeks staged alterations and an outdoor recreational facility at the caravan park.

The facilities would be for guest use only.

Michelle Love spoke in favour of the development application.

She said the acoustic engineer’s report was provided in response to the Development Assessment Panel’s comments.

The report consists of a desktop assessment of potential noise and impacts on nearby residents.

The nearest residential buildings are about 55 metres south of the proposed facilities.

“We are aware of concerns raised by adjoining residents,” Ms Love said.

There were conditions to address the concerns raised, she said.

The overall height of the play equipment has been reduced.

Resident Stewart Robertson appealed to the councillors to put themselves in the position of the 215 unit owners.

Cr Mike Cusato supported the need for a noise assessment given the neighbouring residents.

“A facility such as this, in my view, if not correctly analysed, can appreciate or depreciate their properties,” he said.

Cr Geoff Hawkins said he understood the residents’ concerns and understood the applicant had followed the council’s due process.

“I think this is a practical, sensible way forward and I would encourage everybody to move on it as quickly as possible so we can reach a firm consensus on it,” he said.

Deputy mayor Lisa Intemann said she understood the concerns of the applicant to move forward as quickly as possible.

Cr Intemann said she was also aware that once a development was approved it was very difficult to retrospectively correct any problems.

Cr Rob Turner also encouraged the noise assessment to happen as quickly as possible.

Issues raised in public submissions included a suggestion the water park could be located towards the eastern end of the park.

But in response, the applicant said that would result in a lower level of management of the facility.