18-hole adventure golf course at Park Grounds Christchurch Park, Ipswich

“Proposal 1.1. The proposal is for the creation of 18-hole 'adventure golf course'; and including use of existing kiosk as a kiosk ancillary to the adventure golf course, with incidental refreshment retail. Reference to the use of the existing kiosk was added following on-site discussions with the applicant whereby it became apparent the scheme was to rely on the nearby kiosk to manage golf club hire, and provide refreshments.”

“Planning Officers consider that the advice provided at pre-application has been taken on-board and an appropriate scheme proposed, including a revised design to adopt more naturalistic themes inspired by British wildlife, balancing playfulness with planting and natural textures, and appropriate fencing types (1.8m high mesh fencing powder coated green around the 24m x 48m perimeter) akin to that which the Council have utilised in other park spaces across the town. 3.”

“Officers consider the development provides tourism benefits in accordance with policy DM28, and although not within the Town Centre, is sited within an edge of centre location (defined as <300m from the town centre boundary) and only 308m from Tower Ramparts Transport hub, therefore is not considered a risk to the vitality and vibrancy of the Town Centre.”

“In conclusion the proposals are considered sensitive to their environment whilst introducing a new activity and offering to the Registered Park and Garden. The proposal is considered acceptable under policies DM12 and DM13. Impact on the amenity of neighbours 5.17 Policy DM18 states the Council will protect the quality of life of occupiers and neighbours by only granting permission for development that does not result in an unacceptable loss of amenity.”

“No response received at time of writing. Natural England Response 18.12.25 – NE considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes. Historic England Response 05.09.25: No objections.”

“In determining this application you should bear in mind the statutory duty of section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to have special regard to the desirability of preserving listed buildings or their setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess and section 72(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or…”

“Summary of Objections: • Loss of a quiet, open space, and next to the serene Butterly Garden. • Unnecessary and / or inappropriate means of publicising the Park. • Loss of green space vital to Ipswich • Already much to do in the Park • Visual clutter, affecting natural and historic space (notably upon the arboretums historic character) • Conflict with Character and Tranquility (notably impacts on arboretum) • Loss of Natural and Historic Space • Environmental and Wildlife…”

“Summary of Comments: • Brings an area into use, and sits within recreation envelope, though regrettably near to the Butterfly Garden quiet area. • Need to allow existing hedge to grow to provide screening. • Increased toilet facilities needed due to increased footfall. • Does not comment on the Parks Green Flag status. • Archaeological matters need to be considered given findings elsewhere. • Opening hours should align with current Park opening hours.”

“Councillor Jones advised that she supported the exclusion of bramble planting near the site and noted that the Parks Team would provide appropriate advice on planting. Councillor Jones commented that Christchurch Park was a large town centre amenity intended for everyone, and whilst some concerns had been raised about noise, the park was sufficiently large enough to accommodate quiet areas elsewhere, and the proposal was suitably located near the outdoor gym and tennis…”

“The Planning Officer confirmed that the Management Plan included provisions relating to site tidiness and maintaining landscaping and would operate alongside the Council’s existing park maintenance regime. No additional litter bins were proposed; however, it was noted that the mesh fencing would assist in containing any inadvertent litter within the site.”