Golf course driving range at East Renfrewshire Golf Club, Newton Mearns

What was proposed

The application proposed reshaping the golf course, creating a driving range and short game area, altering two holes, and adding landscaping and drainage.

“Notes that the proposed development is likely to enhance biodiversity and local landscape character, and that there will be no significant landscape or visual effects likely to occur as a result of the proposed development. ASSESSMENT: Site location The application site is located within the Green Belt to the west of Ayr Road and comprises the East Renfrewshire Golf Club, originally designed in 1922. There are residential properties located adjacent to the golf course.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered golf clubhouse and car park alterations and the formation of a driving range and teaching facility.

“1999/0580/TP 2017/0767/TP Alterations and extensions to golf club house and extension to car park Formation of driving range and teaching facility Approved subject to conditions Approved subject to conditions 27.03.2000 03.05.2018”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal appropriate for the golf course and Green Belt, with acceptable visual, drainage, road safety and biodiversity effects.

“As the site lies within the Green Belt, the application must be considered in the first instance with regard to Policy 8 of NPF4 and Policy D3 of LDP2. Policy 8(a) of NPF4 indicates support for development proposals within the Green Belt if they are for outdoor recreation, play and sport. Further, Policy D3 of LDP2 states that proposals within the Green Belt will be limited to that which are appropriate for a rural location.”

“Policies D1 and D3 of LDP2 similarly indicate that proposals are required to demonstrate they are appropriate in terms of scale, size, design, layout and materials and compatible with adjoining and neighbouring uses as well as there being no significant adverse impacts on the amenity of the surrounding rural area. These matters will be considered in more detail below under the 'Visual Impact' heading.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Community, infrastructure, environmental and transport consultees raised no objections, with some responses subject to conditions.

“CONSULTATIONS/COMMENTS: Mearns East Community CouncilNo objections. Scottish WaterNo objections. East Renfrewshire Council Roads ServiceNo objections subject to conditions. East Renfrewshire Council Environmental Health Service No objections subject to conditions. East Renfrewshire Council Natural Environment and Biodiversity Officer No objections subject to conditions. Scottish Environment Protection AgencyNo objections. Transport ScotlandNo objections. PUBLICITY:”

Officer report

Public views

Sixty-six representations supported the development, citing the golf club’s future, wider access to golf, local benefits and biodiversity improvements.

“REPRESENTATIONS: 66 representations in support of the application have been received which raise the following points: • The proposed development will secure the future of an important local asset • The proposed development will benefit members visitors to the course • The proposed development will help younger players develop their game and learn golf • The proposed development will facilitate a more diverse range of visitors to the course • The proposed development will…”

“The proposed development will allow for the growth of the golf club and support the growth of golf in Scotland as a whole • The proposed development will utilise local building materials • The proposed development will help serve the large number of new houses in the local area • The design of the proposed development is of high quality DEVELOPMENT PLAN & GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE: National Planning Policy Framework 4 –…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planner summarised the representations and provided further information about planning policies and assessments.

The committee’s decision

After discussion, the Committee granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the handling report.

“Following discussion of the application, the Committee agreed to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions laid out in the report of handling.”

Minutes