Golf Course Rezoning Denied In U. Merion A Developer Wants To Build Several Projects On Land Occupied By The Valley Forge Golf Course.

But the ruling is not likely to end the dispute. Realen's lawyer, Marc Kaplin, said yesterday that he will appeal the decision to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. He declined further comment, saying he had not yet read the board's 73-page decision.

Kaplin contends that the agricultural zoning is illegal ``spot zoning'' because surrounding property is zoned for residential or commercial use.

In its decision, the Zoning Board dismissed the spot-zoning argument, saying the golf course has many distinguishing qualities. ``The subject property is unique,'' it says, adding that it ``is reasonable to believe that a property as large as the subject property, that is completely surrounded by major roadways, township boundary lines and county boundary lines warrants a separate zoning district unto itself.''

The decision points out that there are other types of development, such as single-family homes, that could be built on the property.

Many residents and the King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce, a group generally favorable to development, had argued against a zoning change, saying that Realen's plans would create too much traffic in an already-congested area.