Consultant Robert Mowle of Laterals Planning, a former chief executive of Mulwaree Shire Council, has told the committee that council cannot consider the application because it did not meet two statutory requirements.

Mr Mowle has told the group that even if the statutory requirements were met, the application could be refused on a number of grounds, including the adverse impact on the amenity of Bundanoon.

Don’t Bore Bundanoon chair Patricia Guy and members Harvey Grennan and Bruce Bargon handed the advice to Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Gordon Lewis on Friday, adding to the 200 letters and petitions already received by council in the last two weeks.

“We have been advised after a comprehensive review of the DA by this highly regarded planning expert that it should not even be accepted for consideration by council because the requirements of the Lands Department and the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) have not been addressed as required by law,” Mrs Guy said.

“And even if these deficiencies are overcome, there are still valid grounds for refusal of the application.

“The advice also reveals that the Statement of Environmental Effects accompanying the DA fails to address a number of important issues.

“For example, no environmental assessment has been made in respect to the required road works in Governor’s Road.”

Mr Mowle has supported the committee’s view that the new application is merely the first shot in a campaign by Norlex for a large-scale operation.