Panel Approves Resort Plan for Malibu Coastal Canyon

With the possible exception of public pronouncements to turn their seaside community into a homeless haven, few things tee off Malibu residents more than the thought of turning an ecologically sensitive coastal canyon into a private resort for cardigan-clad golfers.

But on Thursday they were as silent as a tournament gallery after the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission approved a plan to transform a 339-acre, ridge-lined canyon near the center of Malibu into an exclusive, 18-hole golf course.

Opponents said they were stunned by the commission’s decision and added that they would regroup later to appeal the vote to the county Board of Supervisors. The project still must be approved by the California Coastal Commission.

Narrow Vote

The narrow 3-2 vote came despite objections from Commission Chairman Clinton Ternstrom that the $35-million project may not conform with state Coastal Act regulations that require wide public use for recreational developments approved along the California coastline.

The La Jolla-based Sun Pacific Properties wants to build the golf complex on land it purchased recently from comedian Bob Hope. The project would also contain 60 homes, a 52,000-square-foot clubhouse, six tennis courts, two restaurants, a swimming pool and underground parking.

The commission’s action Thursday followed three public hearings during which dozens of environmental consultants and homeowners attacked the project, saying that construction of the Malibu Country Club would destroy wildlife and vegetation and lead to increased traffic congestion along Pacific Coast Highway.

‘Natural Beauty’

“We want to (retain) the natural beauty of this area and preserve the canyon,” said Frank Angel, president of the Corral Canyon Homeowners Assn. “And we will do everything we can to stop the Coastal Act from being bulldozed just so a few hundred wealthy individuals can close off a canyon and play golf.”

But Bob Robbs, one of the project developers, told commissioners that use of the golf club would not be restricted. “Anyone can apply to join,” he said, adding that membership fees for the club have not been determined yet.

Sidney McClue Jr., executive vice president of the development group, told commissioners that his project offered a chance to preserve more than 90% of the parcel’s open space and still provide an attractive recreational facility in Malibu. He said earlier that the golf complex is a perfect match for a “vital, upscale, sensitive area” such as Malibu.

Malibu homeowners particularly objected to the developer’s proposal to move and grade 5 million cubic yards of dirt on the property and fill one entire canyon. They also contended that the use of pesticides and herbicides needed to grow vegetation on the property, located between Corral Canyon and Puerco Canyon roads north of Pacific Coast Highway, would endanger plants and animals and could contaminate drinking water.

Agreed With Homeowners

Commissioner Betty Fisher agreed with the homeowners, noting that the project would remove more soil than any other development previously approved in the coastal area, “and more than removals in projects we’ve turned down.” The commission rejected a similar private golf course proposal in nearby Encinal Canyon this summer, saying that the project was too large for the rural area.

However, Commissioner J. Paul Robinson said he liked the Corral Canyon golf project, saying that the architect used good “site-planning” principles.

The canyon site had been sought by the National Park Service for inclusion in the Santa Monica National Recreation Area. However, insufficient funds and the developer’s wish to pursue the golf course project have blocked acquisition plans.