Ballina Shire Council has backed the next stage of a proposal for The Living School to establish an outdoor education hub at Skennars Head.

At its June ordinary meeting, councillors gave in-principle support for the preparation of a planning proposal to amend the Ballina Local Environmental Plan 2012.

The proposal centres on a curriculum-linked outdoor learning centre at 450 North Creek Road, Skennars Head, which could cater for up to 200 students.

If ultimately approved, the site could host outdoor education programs, student camps, community events and professional development for teachers.

Living School founder and “conductor” John Stewart said the vision was to create a dedicated outdoor learning environment where students could reconnect with the land and learn beyond the classroom.

“The basis of it is that it will be an outdoor learning space so we can bring our kids back onto the land, on Country, and not just sitting inside a classroom receiving direct instruction,” Mr Stewart said.

“It will be a space where kids can come, feel connection, move around and explore different learning processes.

“This is about kids getting dirty and not just sitting in Lismore, Ballina or Lennox Head, but really exploring the coastal environment.”

According to the council report, The Living School had previously conducted some activities at the property but ceased following compliance action by Council in response to complaints about the site’s use.

Mr Stewart said students had already taken part in farm days at the property and described the proposal as a way of formalising activities that had previously occurred there.

“We’ve had kids there doing farm days, so it’s not really an expansion, it’s about having the ability to continue doing that,” he said.

“We’ll now prepare a development application and we’re appreciative that people want to support it. We’re a not-for-profit school with a focus on giving back to the community.”

Council’s decision does not approve a school or outdoor education centre on the site.

Instead, it allows the proposal to move to the next stage of the planning process, where a range of detailed investigations will be undertaken.

The council report identifies several matters requiring further assessment before any future decision is made, including strategic planning merit, traffic impacts, flooding, bushfire risk, environmental constraints, site access and infrastructure servicing.

Council officers said progressing the planning proposal would allow those issues to be fully investigated through the statutory planning process, while giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback before any final decision is made.

Mr Stewart said the school was committed to working with Council and the local community as the proposal progressed.

“The neighbours are supportive and we want to make sure we meet Council requirements and formalise this opportunity,” he said.

“I’m humbled and grateful councillors have seen merit in the proposal and that Ballina Council understands what we’re trying to do.”

The proposal will now move through the next stages of the planning process under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.