Strong objections to proposed clubhouse in PJ

Kota Damansara residents challenge conditional planning approval

RESIDENTS of Tropicana Indah Resort Homes (TIRH) in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, have filed a judicial review to quash conditional planning approval by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for the construction of a two-storey clubhouse at Lot 50635.

The residents said the local authority had given conditional planning approval for the project despite their strong objections.

They said the proposed clubhouse was to be built on a parcel of land where a golf course owned by Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) is currently located, adjacent to TIRH residential properties.

If the new clubhouse is built, the Seri Selangor Golf Club (KGSS) clubhouse that is located at Persiaran Damansara Indah will be moved there.

Lot 50635 is identified as a recreational land and open space, within a distinctive high-end residential zone in the Petaling Jaya Local Plan (RTPJ) gazetted in 2020.On Feb 24, StarMetro reported that TIRH residents had objected to the relocation on the basis that it would cause traffic congestion.

Residents said in view of the status and distinctive zoning of the land, premises like a clubhouse should not be built as it would not be in accordance with the RTPJ.

They said there also appeared to be institutional conflict of interest in the conditional approval granted to the project, which is one of their grounds for seeking a judicial review.

Madiyazhagan says the clubhouse should remain where it is.

They felt that the local council that gave conditional planning approval was acting in the interest of the state planning committee, which is chaired by caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also PKNS chairman.

In the judicial review, the residents are seeking to maintain the current status of the land.

They have also applied for an injunction to restrain the local council from approving any construction on any land adjoining residential areas and properties of TIRH.

TIRH Parcel 12 Residents Association (RA) chairman Madiyazhagan Maniam said he saw someone doing soil tests at the golf course in January.

“I found out, through the club’s staff, about the plans to relocate KGSS.

“A signboard on the proposed development was also erected but it was inside a fenced area of the golf course where not many people would see it.

“After finding out about the proposed development, we raised our objections with MBPJ.

Tan says residents bought their houses with the understanding that the KGSS clubhouse would be outside their neighbourhood.

“MBPJ had also sent a letter informing the residents about the proposed development and requested feedback or objections.

“However, the letter was sent very close to the Chinese New Year holidays when many residents would have been unable to respond,” he added.

Madiyazhagan said residents had raised their objections and concerns during a mid-February meeting with MBPJ.

“During the meeting, no minutes were taken by MBPJ officers and we were told that it was merely a briefing.

“We were told that there were development plans for the current KGSS site, hence the need to relocate the clubhouse.”

He questioned the relocation as the clubhouse was refurbished not too long ago.

The judicial review applicants represent about 600 households, and case management is set for Aug 15.

Resident SE Tan said the owners bought their houses some 20 years ago based on the understanding that the KGSS’ clubhouse would be located outside their neighbourhood.

“KGSS is the only golf course in Selangor that does not require club membership, hence it attracts a lot of golfers.

Residents were told that there are development plans for the site where Seri Selangor Golf Club (left) is currently located.

“If KGSS were to relocate to the Tropicana Indah vicinity, our privacy would be affected.

“More so if it becomes part of my backyard.

“If the construction goes through, it will open the floodgates for development of the area’s last few green lungs.

“Selangor government should make it a priority to preserve green lungs to combat global warming,” said Tan.

TIRH Parcel 12 resident KC Wong said according to the plans for the new golf club that they had seen, the entrance would be too close to a sharp bend along Persiaran Damansara Indah.

“Moreover, morning traffic is already bad.

“It can take more than 45 minutes just to exit Persiaran Surian,” said Wong.

Incumbent Kota Damansara assemblyman Shatiri Mansor said he had raised the issue during the last Selangor state assembly in March.

“I highlighted to Amirudin that residents objected to the project and requested for a dialogue,” he said.

MBPJ Zone 4 councillor Mohd Ikhsan Mohamad Din said he would follow up on the issue during today’s full board meeting.

MBPJ and PKNS had not responded to requests for comments at press time.