Wānaka Golf Club says it will accept a proposed easement over a 400sqm-or-so section of the course if some concessions are made - but it is concerned it may set a precedent.

The owners of a handful of properties adjacent to Wānaka Golf Club at the top of Youghal Street are seeking a right of way and a water draining easement, both of which would encroach on a portion of the course. 

In its submission on the proposed easement, the club said it is concerned the right of way will increase the chances of golf ball strike due to its location near the fairway to the course’s fifth hole.

It could also impede on the club’s plans to add a par 5 to the club’s front nine holes, or other future changes to the course, the club says.

The almost 56-hectare course is a Crown recreation reserve designated for golf, and the club has a long-running lease of the reserve.

The club has faced “relent[less]” requests and pressure for encroachment from neighbours over the years, its submission said.

“Some neighbours want more trees to protect their houses from ball strike but neighbouring developers want our trees removed in order to improve the land value of their developments.”

Others have wanted part of the reserve land “for their own private use”.

“As a matter of principle, the golf club is concerned about the creation of further rights-of-way over golf course land,” the submission said.

The club says it will only support the proposed easement if several conditions are met, including the removal of parts of an existing informal driveway that has been built without approval on the course, and strict limits on the width of any right of way. 

The proposal involves both legalising existing informal driveways and adding new easement areas, potentially creating a wide, road-like space alongside the fairway, which the club fears could become a parking area.

“We are sensitive and protective of our lease and mindful to keep all parts of the golf course in order to future proof it as development closes in all around the golf course.”

The club’s submission also asked QLDC to be more “careful and slow” with further applications that would encroach on the course.

The Wānaka Golf Club submission was one of six received on the easement proposal before the submission period ended, a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App.

A public hearing will be scheduled and the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board will consider whether to recommend to council to approve the proposed easement in September, they said.

“If recommended, it will then be considered by full council at a subsequent meeting.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App