Golf course improvements at Lands at Portstewart Golf Club 117 Strand Road, Portstewart

What was proposed

The application sought golf course improvements, new practice facilities, covered bays, an overspill car park, and greenkeeper facilities with ancillary works.

“Assessment DPIA Required and N/A Date: (DPIA) Completed: App No: LA01/2024/0444/F Ward: Portstewart App Type: Full Planning Address: Lands at Portstewart Golf Club 117 Strand Road, Portstewart Proposal: Modifications to Portstewart Golf Course comprising improvements to the Riverside and Strand courses, new chipping and practice greens, realignment of practice area and new covered bays, overspill car park, extension to greenkeepers shed (including replacement water storage…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 110-hectare golf club lies west of Portstewart, outside its settlement limit, within several landscape, nature and coastal designations.

“The application site comprises Portstewart Golf Club to the west of Portstewart. The 110 hectare application site is home to the Strand and Riverside Courses (18 holes each) and their associated practice area, clubhouse and greenkeeping compound. The site is accessed from an existing vehicular access from the Strand Road. There is a car park located north east of the two-storey club house.”

“The site is located within the countryside outside the development limit of Portstewart as designated under NAP 2016. The site is within Binevenagh AONB with parts also falling within the Bann Estuary Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Other designations applicable to this site are Portstewart Golf Course…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included approval for a starter’s hut and a putting green extension, alongside accepted and decided proposals for course modifications.

“Lands at Portstewart Golf Club, 117 Strand Road, Portstewart Modifications to Portstewart Golf Couse comprising improvements to the Riverside and Strand Courses, new chipping and practice green, realignment of practice area and new covered bays, extension to greenkeepers shed, water storage reservoir and associated course works. Includes retrospective modifications to holes 13, 14 and 15 on the Strand Course.”

“Lands at Portstewart Golf Club, 117 Strand Road, Portstewart Modifications to Portstewart Golf Course comprising improvements to the Riverside and Strand Courses, new chipping and practice green, realignment of practice area and new covered bays, extension to greenkeepers shed, water storage reservoir and associated course works. Includes retrospective modifications to holes 13, 14 and 15 on the Strand Course.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable and recommended approval subject to conditions because it complied with relevant planning policies and protected environmental interests.

“The proposal complies with all relevant planning policies including…”

Officer report

Committee discussion

Members heard that the redesigned bays were lowered and screened, parking would improve the site, and the practice facilities would reduce danger from golf balls.

“While golfers are supposed to drive in a Southerly direction this is not always the case and balls can be found on the road in front of our houses which is a hazard for motorists and pedestrians alike. The Development Management and Enforcement Manager advised that the bays will allow for a reorientation away from properties which is a betterment.”

“D Lamont stated that Portstewart Golf Club is a not for profit organisation, that it has been developed over the last 30 years into a world class facility and that the Golf Club attracts over 25,000 paying visitors every year. D Lamont stated that there is a lack of practice facilities and that a consultation had taken place with a range of stakeholders.”

Minutes

Supporters who spoke

Three supporters spoke about the club’s membership, tourism role, practice facilities, parking problems and expected benefits for safety and the local economy.

The final decision

The committee approved planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the officer recommendation.

“250924 JK/IO million and Portstewart Golf Club is part of that, North American tourists stay 7- 10 days and the whole of the tourism industry will benefit. In response to questions, D Lamont stated that the bays have been reduced in height and reduced into the landscape as much as possible, noise will be reduced and the visual aspect will improve.”

“RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 9 and the policies and guidance in sections 7 and 8 and resolves to APPROVE planning permission subject to the conditions set out in section 10 * Alderman Scott rejoined the meeting in the Chamber at 11:48am 6.2”

Minutes