In November 2016, Mr Turland lodged a development application (DA) for Holland Park, a 47 unit residential flat building with basement parking for 83 cars. However, in August 2017 the development was refused by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP). 

Reasons for the refusal included flood risk, adverse impact on the streetscape and local amenity and the height of the building. 

Mr Turland, who is a Wingecarribee Councillor, chose to take legal action and appeal the decision in the Land and Environment Court (LEC). 

On Tuesday, April 10, debate surrounding the issue continued, and an LEC Conciliation Conference took place on the development site at Mittagong Road, Bowral. 

The conference attracted a large number of residents from Holland Park’s neighbouring dwellings, five of whom made statements to LEC Commissioner Peter Walsh in objection to the development. 

Residents’ issues with Holland Park include the fact the site was flood prone, the setback of the development from the road and adjoining properties, the height of the building and how it fit in with the character of the area.

Before the DA was refused by the JRPP, 27 submissions were made during the exhibition period, 22 of which objected the development. 

Mr Turland said he and his legal team were still going through the proposal to make any possible amendments. 

"We are still going through the proposal to make some amendments to try and satisfy council's independent external consultant," he said. 

Mr Turland further said there would be a directions hearing on April 18 and he would “go from there” but hoped to negotiate a settlement before the court case. 

So far, Mr Turland said he’s had up to 300 expressions of interest for Holland Park. 

“That's huge. That's a positive sign for me to move forward to continue on,” he said.

“It shows the community desperately wants something of this standard and level.”