Golf and racket facilities at Billingbear Park Golf Club, Wokingham

What was proposed

The application proposed phased padel, pickleball, putting, clubhouse and simulator facilities, parking changes, and landscaping.

“Application No: 26/00128/FULL Location: Billingbear Park Golf Club The Straight Mile Wokingham Proposal: Phased development of the site, comprising construction of padel tennis and pickleball courts (Phase 1); construction of a putting course (Phase 2); and demolition of existing marquee to the rear of the clubhouse and replacement with new extension and construction of a simulator building (Phase 3); together with car parking alterations and hard and soft landscaping…”

“Three padel tennis courts with mainly 3m high fencing, rear sections 4m. Non illuminated. • Two pickleball courts with low level fencing 1.2m tall throughout. Non illuminated. • Construction of an outdoor putting course. Non illuminated. • Demolition of existing marquee to the rear of the clubhouse and replacement with new brick- built extension of similar height, depth and width, with materials to match the existing building.”

Officer report

The site and its constraints

The golf course is in the Green Belt, with ancient woodland, flood zones, trees, and part of the car park in Wokingham Borough.

“3 2.5 There is a large area of TPO woodland to the north and east of the site (shown below in black line). While more centrally close to the Western boundary, there is a circular area of Ancient Woodland also subject to a TPO. This is shown below, the brown area is a 15m buffer zone for the Ancient Woodland. The purple line to the south denotes a public footpath There are no Public Rights of Way or public walking routes through the site.”

“The boundary between The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (“RBWM”) and Wokingham Borough bisects the car park at the application site, with the access into the site being in Wokingham Borough.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees had no objection subject to conditions, while the Tree Officer objected and the parish council had concerns about the simulator and woodland.

“Consultee Comment Where in the report this is considered RBWM Environmental Protection Officer No objection subject to conditions Section 8 vi. RBWM Ecology Officer No objections subject to conditions Section 8 viii. Sustainability Officer No objections subject to conditions Section 8 ix. Tree Officer Objection, impact on the Ancient Woodland Section 8 iii. Environment Agency No objection subject to conditions. Section 8 vii.”

Officer report

Residents’ comments

One objection raised poor road and verge maintenance, possible traffic-related accidents, and increased noise, with a request for a 9pm closing time.

“Comment Where in the report this is considered 1 The upkeep of the road and verges (ditches) is very poor for 500-1000m in either direction of the golf club. The Council should pick the litter up. Officer Comment - This is within Wokingham Borough Council 2 No work/ maintenance has been done by the council or the owner of the land opposite of the golf club. The increases the chances of more accidents, with more traffic.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the applicant during the public speaking part of the meeting.

Members’ debate

A councillor proposed approval with an onsite materials panel and stronger protection for trees and vegetation near the simulator; another councillor seconded it.

“Councillor G. Singh proposed a motion to approve the application, in line with officer recommendation, subject to the recommended conditions as outlined in the Committee report and update sheet, and to also include the following amendments to the conditions: • Condition 2 (Materials) to involve an onsite Materials Sample Panel to be agreed with Officers (on site).”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously approved planning permission with the recommended conditions and amendments concerning materials and tree protection.

“AGREED UNANIMOUSLY: To approve planning permission, subject to the recommended conditions as outlined in the Committee report and update sheet, with the following amendments: • Condition 2 (Materials) to involve an onsite Materials Sample Panel to be agreed with Officers (on site).”

Minutes