Surf Coast Council rejects Jump Swim School’s expansion in Torquay citing safety and parking concerns

A swim school franchise with plans to expand has described the Surf Coast Shire’s decision to knock back an application for a new site as a “missed opportunity”.

Jump Swim School recently had an application to expand their businesses in Torquay rejected. Pic shows Instructor Kylie Stuart with Ira 5 ( left ) and Aubree 5 at their Armstrong Creek pool. Picture: Mark Wilson

A swim school franchise with plans to expand has described the Surf Coast Shire’s decision to knock back an application for a new site as a “missed opportunity”.

Jump Swim School, which has franchises in Armstrong Creek and Geelong West, was hoping to expand their operation with a school at 12 Boneyards Ave, Torquay in an existing warehouse at the West Coast Business Park.

Jarrod Tryde, owns the franchise in Armstrong Creek and said there was a real need for a swim school for families in Torquay and was disappointed that his application was rejected.

Jump Swim School recently had an application to expand their businesses in Torquay rejected. Pic shows Aubree 5 , Instructor Kylie Stuart and Ira 5 at their Armstrong Creek pool. Picture: Mark Wilson

“For the past six months we have been trying to get through council for approval for a new site we had leased,” Mr Tryde said.

“Surf Coast Shire council has just a week or so ago refused our application, which is a shame.

“Kids are missing out on important swimming lessons coming into the peak of summer.”

Mr Tryde also said the site could have created 15-20 local jobs and said the decision to reject their application was “ outrageous to say the least”.

The council refused the application on a number of grounds. It said it was inappropriate to allow such an intensive indoor recreation facility to operate from the site.

Jump Swim School recently had an application to expand their businesses in Torquay rejected. Kylie Stuart with Ira 5 (left) , and Aubree 5 at their Armstrong Creek pool. Picture: Mark Wilson

The shire said the proposed setting could affect the operations of the warehouse and result in land-use conflict.

The shire was also concerned about the risk of children exposed to moving forklifts and trucks.

They also said the proposal had insufficient on-site car parking to meet demand and also failed to address pedestrian safety.

Mr Tyde said he would consider taking the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and would look at other potential sites.

“It’s just a missed opportunity for local employment and kids from Torquay to learn swimming,” he said.

Originally published as Surf Coast Council rejects Jump Swim School’s expansion in Torquay citing safety and parking concerns