Planning at Local First or Later?

It was reported recently that the 330 acres Subang Golf Club (KGNS) at SS7, Petaling Jaya is up to grab for redevelopment. Many prospective developers are aiming the piece of land fronting with Federal Highway. Since 1960s, KGNS has been developed as a private club housing 2 18-holes golf course, club house with F&B, leisure and other sport facilities. Becoming members of the Club is considered as a privilege to most of its members, and also general public because many even though are passing by the course daily might not have entered the compound with grand gate. It is an exclusive enclave for many.

Top of the many concerns the news attracted is the fear of losing green lung means for recreational purpose. It is understood as more than 80% of the area is covered with cow grass and pond. Having said this, it should be highlighted that this recreational space is used for handful of people and it is not a public green space. Secondly, the detrimental effect of pesticide and fertiliser on environment for up keeping the golf course is questionable. Hence, environmentally and for public benefit, the course can be replaced and redeveloped, if need to. Perhaps one of the options is to replace it with a public park similar to the Central Park of New York, US. If economic factor and local traffic situation to be considered, perhaps low rise residential development with more than 40% greenery should be planned, in tandem to the existing bungalow development opposite the Course. However, I am doubt given the strategic location of the site, the sizable piece of land and the prospective parties.

What is the role of the local planning authority then? Can the authority say NO? Obviously the answer is yes if the local planning authority is concerned about the development impact and its effect on the master planning of the City. However, it must be long way to go since the site is currently intended for recreational use and the zoning was gazetted as such. In applying Section 16 of Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172) for the process of altering the Local Plan, the people will definitely have a say. It might be good to allow local planning authority and people have their views from the beginning of planning process rather than waiting for everything to be confirmed first or else the traditional confrontation stand between both divide will recur.