Golfers take swing at plans to build $9 million in apartments on private land at St Michael’s Golf Club

A RESIDENTIAL complex has been proposed on a 19m-wide strip of private land at the prestigious St Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay. It will sit between the first hole and the driving range.

Concept image of the proposed development of 34 units next to St Michael's Golf Club at Little Bay. Picture taken from the development application lodged with Randwick Council.

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GOLFERS at one of Sydney’s top courses have teed off on plans to develop $9 million in apartments next to the first fairway.

A two-storey, 34-apartment complex has been proposed on a tiny sliver of private land at St Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay.

The club, established­ in 1938, is surrounded by Botany Bay National Parkland and takes in views of the Pacific Ocean and Little Bay peninsula.

But the 1200 members who enjoy the course could soon be swinging at a residential development slated to slice through the area between the first hole and the driving range.

Graham Christian at the first tee. The scrub to the right of him is where the development is proposed. Picture: John Appleyard

Surrounding land is all zoned for public recreation, however the private strip running through it was recently­ rezoned medium density residential.

A small dirt track runs down the 19m wide strip, which is used by walkers to access the surrounding national­ park.

In the development application submitted to Randwick Council, urban planner JV Urban said the site was “unique”.

“It is a privately owned residential zoned island site set among open space land,” it reads.

“The adjoining golf course may exhibit minor nuisance from stray golf balls.

“Building construction needs to factor in appropriate measures to minimise damage such as glazing systems, etc.”

A sign erected out front of the golf club, letting people know about the proposed development. Picture: John Appleyard

Speaking as a golfer and not on behalf of the club, St Michael’s general manager Jeff Wagner said they had always thought the land was “just a pathway”.

“Once the coastal walkway is in place it will be crucial for residents to access safely rather than through the golf course,” Mr Wagner said.

“There is no explanation that it would be zoned this way and the only way forward should be that it is rezoned­ back to recreational.”

He said it would be “impossible” for the development to coexist with the golf club.

“The driving range would probably have to be shut down,” Mr Wagner said.

“The whole thing would have to be netted to completely surround the building. The trees and scrub that thickly traverse the area would be cut down and cleared for cement.

“The integrity of the golf course would be ruined.”

Graham Christian, Rita Roberts, Larry Wainstein and Diana Wainstein near the first tee at St Michael’s Golf Course. Picture: John Appleyard

The site is landlocked by the golf course and driving range. A right of access and easement for services is being sought for the crown land. It will allow access to the site on the land between Jennifer St and the golf club’s northern car park.

“The subject site is an unusual one given its landlocked context, adjacent recreational land uses and lack of formal access from Jennifer St,” the proposal reads.

Looking to redevelop the site is company Yoothapina Group, which counts Wallaby Mark Ella as one of its seven directors.

The property was handed over to the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council in 1983 as part of formalising historical ownership ties, but was later onsold.

Attempts to contact the developer have so far been unsuccessful.

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