Dingley Village decision on horizon

THE Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club in Dingley Village are set to wind down operations in preparation of vacating their current site.

The land currently occupied by the golf club is the proposed site of a controversial housing development, which has drawn heavy criticisms from Dingley Village residents.

The gates of the club will close to members on 1 December, and new owner ASRP1 will settle on 31 January 2019.

The land was bought by the developer in September 2014.

ASRP1 Kingswood senior development manager Anna Martiniello expressed frustration that the permit to build on the land had not yet been approved.

“We are not golf course operators so the site will be locked for safety reasons. It’s very disappointing for both us and the local community that we don’t yet have an agreed pathway forward for the land,” Ms Martiniello said.

Ms Martiniello has defended the planned subdivision of the land into 760 lots for housing against criticism.

“It’s important to plan carefully, which is what we’re proposing for Kingswood. It will have a range of housing options, thoughtfully spread across the site, along with connected walking and bike paths and parks. The introduction of wetlands to the area will encourage wildlife,” she said.

“We understand the concerns that some people have about development, but the demographic trends, the quality of master-plan and the recreational benefits to the community are a compelling reason to support the project.”

An unprecedented number of submissions totalling over 8000 were made to Kingston Council opposing the subdivision of the land. Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus is among the names opposing to the development.

The matter is set to be decided on at the 22 October council meeting, although regardless of council’s decision, the final say will come down to Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 10 October 2018