Residents debate plan to build luxury units on part of Bayview Golf Club
A vocal group of residents have given their views on a controversial plan to develop 85 luxury units for seniors on part of a northern beaches golf club.
Manly
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A PLAN to develop 85 luxury units for seniors on part of the Bayview Golf Club course has been deferred until next week, pending more negotiations between parties.
The decision follows an on-site meeting of more than 50 residents for and against the $84 million Waterbrook Bayview Pty Ltd development with Commissioner Joanne Gray.
The Land and Environment Court (LEC) representative was joined by Northern Beaches Council barrister Ashley Stafford and the applicant’s solicitor, Aaron Gadiel.
The development is proposed for 2ha of the 36ha site, between 1825 Pittwater Rd and 52 Cabbage Tree Rd, and was previously amended from 95- to 85-units.
While those against the plans labelled cited environmental and traffic concerns, Bayview Golf Club representatives argued it was still in the wider community’s interest.
Resident Andrew Tiede and Bayview Golf Club general manager David Stone attended in support of the club’s president David Sparks, who said the implementation of the proposal would ensure the security and longevity of the club.
“Yes, we need to ensure our viability, and this relationship will ensure and secure this golf course for the next 20 years,” he said.
“This is not just a golf club … it’s a community asset.
“Yes, it will attract members … (but) this is for the entire northern beaches community.”
Those opposing the development also stated their concerns to Commissioner Gray, which included traffic congestion, trespassing and environmental impacts with changes to the area.
Slope stability, the potential rise of acid sulfate soils during construction and flooding across the course throughout this phase were also listed, along with the change to the neighbourhood’s atmosphere and street lighting.
Resident John Matheson said: “The application should really be rejected on these grounds madam commissioner, in terms of acid sulfate and the risk to the waterways and aquatic life.
“The Northern Beaches Council and Sydney North Planning Panel got it right when they rejected the application (the first time).”
Speaking on behalf of another opposing resident, James Colman said: “(It) is not in public interest of the club to commit to a commercially driven seniors housing project on one of it’s own fairways — on land that is zoned … through a public consultation process.
“The proposal has already been objected twice (and) the latest changes virtually have no benefit to the public.
“If the matter goes to the full hearing, I hope the court reaches the same conclusion.”
In addition, wildlife disruption and fire safety concerns — sprouting from trails being blocked by the development, extra residents in the area and fires spreading quickly with 3000 new trees being planted in place of 140 removed, if approved — were other opposing opinions heard by Commissioner Gray.
In support of the development, Mr Tiede questioned powerful owls being in the area and affected by the development, and said: “Yes, 140 trees will go down with the development, but 3000 new ones are going up. This will encourage bird life and the right sort of foraging and food supply for them.
“Bayview has one of the oldest populations in Australia too, so we need more retirement facilities.
“People will be able to retire locally, where their friends and neighbours are, with this development.”
A representative of Commissioner Gray and other officials in attendance said while sites were inspected after hearing from the public and a private meeting was held, the parties did not reach an agreement and, so, the matter will be held until next week.
In a telephone conference, Commissioner Gray will speak with the parties and make a decision on whether or not to proceed to a hearing in January.
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