Fury over Kingston Links Golf Club developer’s plan to axe trees, build 800 houses in Rowville

NEIGHBOURS of the Kingston Links Golf Club in Rowville are teeing off over a developer’s plans to chop down trees and build homes on the fence line of their properties.

Paul Mazzacchi and his wife Lina at their Rowville home. The Mazzacchis and their neighbours are angry about a developer's plans to chop trees and put up houses on their fence line. Picture: James Ross

NEIGHBOURS of the Kingston Links Golf Club are teeing off over a developer’s plans to chop down trees and build homes on the fence line of their properties.

A group of Rowville homeowners has raised concerns about the latest designs for the proposed 800-dwelling development of the golf course, which they argue will invade privacy and cause vegetation loss.

Kingston Links Golf Course redevelopment plans progressing

Objectors said they were not opposed to the development but were worried they would lose a row of tall trees that acted as a “buffer zone”.

Paul Mazzacchi, who lives in Waradgery Drive and next to the course boundary, said he was initially hopeful the trees would remain.

Residents are furious over the plans. Many paid a premium for a property overlooking the course. Picture: James Ross

However, he said the most recent designs showed most of trees would be axed, with houses built in their place.

Mr Mazzacchi has lived in his house for 15 years and said he paid a premium to get a house with a view of the course.

But he now feared the development would back up against his property and people could look into his yard.

The golf course development is proposed by the Pask Group, which wants to re­develop the flood-prone 65ha golf course with houses, apartments and commercial and public space.

The Queensland-based group and Knox Council held an information day on November 14, where people could view the latest plans.

Pask Group marketing manager Marcus Hancock said the decision to build along the existing fence line was based on council feedback, security concerns raised by residents, and to “consolidate shared open space”.

An artist’s impression shows the wetlands to the south/southwest of the Kingston Links site. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hancock did not say how many trees would go, but said their proposal allowed for replanting.

He said the development would integrate parks, walking trails, landscaped shared public space and parkland.

Knox Mayor John Mortimore said he was opposed to the removal of trees.

“We want developers to work around the trees, not the other way round,” Cr Mortimore said.

The council is looking at a planning scheme amendment to rezone the site for residential and public use, which needs to be approved before the Pask Group can submit its masterplan for the site.

Mr Hancock said earthworks were expected to start mid-next year, with sub­division to follow later in the year, subject to approval.