A proposed luxurious glamping (glamour camping) resort in Sydney's Royal National Park looks set to be challenged in court amid concerns about its impact on the environment.

NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton approved plans for a road to the Bundeena Coast Eco Lodge site, paving the way for the development.

It followed the partial approval by the Land and Environment Court last year through an appeal, which was dependent on road access being granted.

The latest move was slammed by the Spring Gully Protection Group, which is preparing to challenge the minister’s decision.

Spokesman Mark Da Silva said the development would have “significant and irreversible” impacts on wildlife and flora.

“She (Ms Upton) has failed to properly consider and assess the environmental impacts,” said on Monday.

The group claims more than 430 trees will be cleared to make way for the six luxury tents, accommodating up to 12 guests, to be built on private land between the park and the town of Bundeena.

The bushland houses a critically-endangered ecological community comprised of the eastern suburbs Banksia scrub and 17 threatened wildlife species, including the Eastern pygmy-possum, red-crowned toadlet, and grey-headed flying-fox.

“We’ll see a lot of vegetation removal and any pollution to the red-crowned toadlet’s waterways will lead to a local extinction,” Mr Da Silva said.

The site is also bushfire prone and Mr Da Silva warned if a fire started in the gully, there would be no way out for visitors.

“We have tried to explain that this is an incredibly steep gully and it’s incredibly bushfire-prone,” he said.

The developers behind the proposal hope the sustainable, small-scale low impact glamping lodge will be an environmentally friendly tourist attraction, according to the Bundeena Coast Eco Lodge website.

A spokeswoman from Ms Upton’s office said it was not appropriate to comment because of the impending legal challenge.

 

By Dominica Sanda