Golf course redevelopment at Teign Valley Golf Club, Christow, Exeter

Golf course regeneration with eco cabins

The application proposed redeveloping Teign Valley Golf Club with eco cabins, padel and pickleball courts and landscape and ecology improvements.

“He went on to say that this project began when Teign Valley Golf Club was bought by the current owners due to its unviable financial situation. The course was losing thousands of pounds a week. The owners, of who include members who have chaired charities such as the Royal Parks and Tree Council, saw Teign Valley Golf Course for its landscape possibilities and contribution to people and nature.”

“He advised that landscape and ecology are fundamental to the success of Teign Valley Golf Course’s future. In the proposals, the landscaping will functionally connect to the wider landscape. Upwards of 27,000 native trees, sourced locally from Moor Trees, and wild grassland seed from donor meadows across the Moor Meadows network, will be used. They will showcase the rich habitats one can find in the wilder places of Dartmoor.”

Minutes

Flood authority withdrew its objection

The Lead Local Flood Authority withdrew its objection, subject to pre-commencement conditions being imposed on any permission.

“Lead Local Flood Authority response (4 July 2025):”

“Our objection is withdrawn and we have no in-principle objections to the above planning application at this stage, assuming that the following pre-commencement planning conditions are imposed on any approved permission.....”

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The applicant's team spoke in support

A representative speaking for the applicant described extensive work with the National Park, large-scale native tree planting and a biodiversity net gain commitment.

Members questioned jobs, drainage and ecology

Members asked about financial benefits, cabin facilities, drainage, lighting, planning conditions, wildlife impact, employment and how the course would operate.

“During Members questions they raised queries relating to the timing of bringing the application to the Planning Committee, considerations regarding the tests of Major Development, what financial benefits the scheme would bring to the local community, facilities provided by the eco cabins, drainage, lighting and their controls, planning conditions, impact on wildlife, employment and how the golf course would operate.”

“The application has been brought to Members before the latest 21-day public consultation period (11.09.2025) due to pressures on timings to get decisions made, the application being subject to a number of rounds of consultation previously and a significant number of responses received already during previous consultations. It was therefore deemed unreasonable to delay to the October meeting.”

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Not considered major development

Members agreed the scheme did not constitute Major Development, a test assessing whether its impacts were outweighed by its benefits.

“(i) Members agreed that the proposed scheme does not constitute Major Development; and (ii) The conditions as set out in the report and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement. The Agreement shall secure the provision of a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), to be prepared in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan.”

Minutes

Approved, with an abstention on one condition

Members unanimously agreed the scheme was not major development and voted to grant permission, with four members abstaining on the consultation condition.

“Members voted unanimously in support of recommendation (i). Members voted in support of conditions (ii) and (iii), with 4 Members abstaining.”

“Overall, Members were supportive of the application and commented on the prospect of it stimulating the local economy and creating jobs whilst enhancing the local environment. Some Members advised that they had abstained due to condition (iii), with the consultation period still being open (until 11.09.2025). The Chair advised that, if needed, she will bring any items back to Committee to be discussed further.”

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Permission granted subject to conditions

Permission was granted subject to conditions including a Section 106 agreement securing habitat management and completion of the public consultation period.

“Resolved: That, subject to the following conditions, permission be GRANTED as follows:”

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