Hotham House surrounded by overgrown vegetation on the President Private Hospital site. Picture by Murray Trembath

The owner of the President Private Hospital site at Kirrawee will be ordered to clear overgrown vegetation following complaints by local residents of an "infestation" of rats and mice.

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Macquarie Health Corporation closed the hospital and erected temporary fencing erected around the buildings, including heritage-listed Hotham House, in early November 2025 ahead of approved redevelopment.

However, work has not yet started, and vegetation on the site has become overgrown.

Hotham House and poultry farm in the 1930s. Picture: supplied

Sutherland Shire Council confirmed "concerns regarding the condition and vermin activity on private property at the former President Private Hospital site".

"Council recognises the need for ongoing site maintenance to protect community safety and while some site cleaning has been completed, Council will now be issuing an Order to the property owners, requiring overgrown vegetation to be cleared.

"This will reduce the potential harbourage of vermin.

"Council is working with the property owner to resolve the matter as a priority."

Macquarie Health Corporation was contacted for comment.

The site is enclosed by temporary fencing. Picture by Murray Trembath

Anne, a local resident who did not wish her full name used, said the site, which includes two vacant houses in Bidurgal Ave, had been "abandoned" for several months, resulting in "an infestation" of rats and mice.

"The vegetation is out of control, and people in the area are experiencing significant rat and mouse problems.

"Several residents have been putting out baits, which poses a risk to pets if not used correctly."

Anne said residents who had contacted the council about the problem had been told that no action would be taken because the hospital and houses were demolished "in the coming weeks".

"We need action immediately because rodent infestations spread rapidly, so even a few weeks can make the situation much worse," she said.

Work on the proposed $87 million redevelopment appeared imminent when the site was closed off with temporary fencing.

Macquarie Health Corporation said at the time the demolition of Hotham House would occur "in line with state planning approval for the project".

"The hospital is closed now, and the fencing has been put up as part of safety requirements for the project, " said director Scott Wenkart.

Hotham House was built in 1912 and a ballroom, where dances and parties were held, was added the following year.

The house was part of the Hotham Poultry Farm, which was at the time the biggest in the state, with about 6000 laying hens.

The building was proposed for inclusion on the shire's heritage list in 1993, but that did not proceed.

During 2013 and 2014, Hotham House was again proposed as a heritage item; however, this proposal was not supported by an independent review.

Following community protests over the proposed demolition, Sutherland Shire Council successfully had the building heritage listed in 2020.

In December 2022, the NSW Independent Planning Commission refused the development application (DA) because it included the demolition of Hotham House.

However, the Land and Environment Court upheld an appeal in early 2024.

The Independent Planning Commission, which had earlier refused the DA, agreed to a conciliated outcome after hearing additional information from the applicant and new expert evidence.

The proposed hospital redevelopment includes the construction of a new three-storey building with two basement car park levels, providing inpatient accommodation, therapy and rehabilitation facilities, and support services.