Golf range landfill extension at Lyme Regis Golf Club, Lyme Regis

“Application No: P/VOC/2023/02551 Site Address: Lyme Regis Golf Club Timber Hill Lyme Regis Dorset DT7 3HQ Proposal: Modification of conditions of planning permission 1/D/13/000972 for improvements to existing golf driving range and practice area including amended scheme for the re-profiling of the playing surface through the importation and placement of uncontaminated sand, naturally occurring soils and inert waste (Variation of condition 3 of p.p.”

“Description of Development 4.1. The application seeks permission for an amendment of conditions relating to the extant application WD/D/17/000991 regarding the time limit and landscaping plan. The applicant proposes an extension of time from the original expiry date of 18/08/2023 to 31/12/2028 to allow for the completion of the second half of the scheme.”

“Site Description 3.1. This site comprises a 5 hectare field and associated access points situated approximately 3km north of Lyme Regis on the western side of the A3052. This road provides the main connection between Lyme Regis and the A35.”

“There is tarmac footpath on the eastern side of the A3052 opposite the application site which runs through to the A35. This serves as an alternative route to the diverted South West Coast Path National Trail and this would cross the front of the application site. The site in its current state is unfinished, with the reprofiling of approved phase 1 completed and work being undertaken on a smaller new phase 2 section leaving 50% of the site in use as a driving range.”

“Planning Assessment Principle of Development 15.1. This planning application is a request for an extension of time to continue an existing landfilling operation at Lyme Regis Golf Club Driving Range. The original planning permission was granted in 2014 (1/D/13/000972). The applicant has cited difficulty obtaining a Permit from the Environment Agency as a significant cause of delay in beginning and continuing the project.”

“It is apparent that the site is in need of restoration, as in its current half- finished state it has a negative impact on the Dorset National Landscape and amenity of local residents.”

“DC – National Landscapes (formerly AONB) First Comment: Objection (received 12/06/2023) • Concern that the application would lead to significant extension to the duration of operations in a highly sensitive and exposed location.”

“Concerns that a second extension of time would undermine the purpose of previous consents to mitigate harm to the National Landscape through limited duration, and that a greatly reduced extension may be necessary. Second Comment (received 13/05/2025) • Concerns over the extension of the duration of the development, and minimising of this being part of the original permission. • Request for evaluation of the need based on public interest grounds.”

“Representations received 11.1. Five representations have been received from neighbours and members of the community referring to the application, all of which were objections. The issues raised by these submissions include: • The continuation of historic objections to the landfill since the initial proposal of the development in 2013; • Perceived misrepresentation of the scheme as a local amenity and in the public interest; • Belief that the project is being poorly…”

“Frustration at the continuous delay and prolonged impact on the National Landscape for reasons deemed inadequate; and • Concerns that approval of a second extension of time would be followed by a further application in 2028 and would allow for further disregard of planning conditions.”

“Recommendation: Grant planning permission subject to conditions set out in section 17. Decision: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”