The disused playing fields, along the city’s south-west entrance, were once home to Bathurst’s premier soccer fields.

The report to councillors by acting environmental, planning and building services director Richard Denyer assessed the land in “three distinct levels”.

The lowest level, adjacent to the intersection of Littlebourne and Lee streets was not recommended for rezoning.

Instead, the report determined this area was a city gateway and that it be subject to beautification treatment.

The next level (the western playing field) adjoins Lee Street and faces the site of an approved freight terminal and vacant land owned by the Scots School.

“In terms of amenity and landscape it is considered that the western playing field could be reclassified to operational and rezoned to industrial, excluding a 15-metre buffer along the Lee Street frontage,” the report stated.

Finally, the upper level (the eastern playing field) adjoins Littlebourne Street.

“It is highly visible on approach to the city from O’Connell/Oberon,” the report said. “If industrial buildings were to be constructed on this level they would be difficult to screen and would have the potential to significantly impact on the entrance to the city.

“It is desirable to retain a recreational zoning on the eastern playing field, but that the field, excluding a 20 metre buffer along Littlebourne Street (gateway) frontage, be classified to operational.”

The operational classification would allow council to consider selling or leasing the land.

The report acknowledged there had been community opposition to the potential rezoning, with some people urging council to leave the area as open space, or alternatively create a nature reserve/botanic garden with an Aboriginal cultural focus.

“Council also received a request from the public not to proceed with the planning proposal,” the report acknowledged.

The report said council does not traditionally provide public open space in close proximity to rural residential development.