Chatswood Golf Club: Fine issued, petition launched over alleged development compliance breaches

The builder of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of a leading Sydney golf club has been fined over alleged compliance breaches as dozens of residents sign a petition raising concerns over a large stockpile of excavated waste.

Chatswood Golf Club is undergoing a $107 million redevelopment.

The builder of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of a leading Sydney golf club has been fined over alleged compliance breaches, as dozens of residents sign a petition raising concerns over a large stockpile of excavated waste.

Tree protection and controls relating to dust, erosion and sediment are among the alleged building breaches according to council inspectors at the construction site of the $107m Chatswood Golf Club redevelopment.

Construction activity at the site includes replacing the current clubhouse with three separate buildings incorporating a new club house, along with a 106-unit retirement complex.

Willoughby Council issued a $6000 fine to the site builder Parkview Constructions for carrying out development works not in accord with the approved conditions of consent.

The fine followed an inspection on August 15 where council staff identified alleged breaches of consent relating to tree protection, building site fencing, dust control and stockpiling.

An overview of the development.

Parkview Constructions was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.

The fines come as 80 residents whose homes back on to the golf club have signed a joint petition raising concerns over a large stockpile of excavated material being stored at the site.

A concept photo of the new club building.

The material is being stored in the southeastern corner of the site and is due to be repurposed as part of the club redevelopment.

Head petitioner and resident Tom Bowden – who has also taken up his concerns with local MP Tim James – said the material had caused concerns in relation to dust, noise and potential health impacts.

The council’s chief executive Debra Just said council rangers and environmental health officers had increased compliance checks at the site.

A council spokeswoman said council staff had also raised concerns with the builder about the management of the stockpile of excavated material.

A concept photo of the new development at the site.

“The actual size of the stockpiles has not yet been precisely measured and determined, but appears to be in excess of 3.5m above the approved height,” the council spokeswoman said.

“In this regard, council has requested an up-to-date stockpile management plan for consideration.

“Council’s environmental health officer and area ranger have conducted numerous inspections since the development commenced and (in August) the builder was directed by council to take actions to suppress dust and to address noncompliances with the development consent.

“Council has also directed written communications identifying its concerns to the principal certifier in control of the development site.”

The club backs on to homes in Chatswood.

The development was approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel.

A spokesman for Watermark Living, which is partly funding the club redevelopment but is not the builder, did not confirm how much material was being stockpiled at the site but said “consideration has been given to reducing environmental impacts across the entire development”.

“We understand and acknowledge that our head contractor, Parkview Constructions, has been issued with a penalty notice,” the spokesman said.

“We have requested further information and are investigating the matter with a view to urgently rectifying any issues that have been raised.”

Approved planning documents for the project show the bulk excavation works at the site are permitted to be undertaken with rock hammers and rock saws.

All excavated material is able to remain stockpiled at the site to a maximum of 3.5m in height for a period of no longer than five years.

The development was approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel and also includes a new restaurant, bar, cafe and bistro.