Golf driving range at Existing Agricultural Field Off Of Meadow Drove, Bourne

What was proposed

The application proposed changing an agricultural field into a golf driving range with clubhouse, miniature golf, parking, landscaping and other amenities.

“The proposed development is for the change of use of the agricultural land to form a driving range and associated ancillary structures including a clubhouse, machine storage shed miniature golf course, parking and landscaping. The description of development would updated to remove reference to class E, which is not considered to be the appropriate use class for a golf driving range. A golf driving range would fall within class F2c within the wider class F.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is an agricultural field in open countryside about 500 metres north-east of Bourne and 200 metres south-east of Dyke.

“The existing site comprises an agricultural field in the open countryside. It is located approximately 500m directly north-east of Bourne and approximately 200m south-east of the centre of Dyke. The site is located off Meadow Drove which is a long straight road that runs to the south-east of Bourne.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the countryside policy tension outweighed by sport, health and community benefits, with acceptable effects on highways, neighbours and the landscape.

“It is accepted that the list of developments and uses within the above policy does not specifically reference the proposed recreational use. It should however be noted that the list of uses is not exhaustive. It should be noted that the proposal does require a significant take up of land.”

“Taking into account the above matters, the proposal is considered to the an acceptable form of development. From a spatial perspective any tension in relation to Policy SP5 is considered to be outweighed by the benefits of delivering significant community, health and well-being outcomes from the proposed facilities. The proposal would be acceptable from a highway perspective demonstrating adequate parking provision.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, water, fire and archaeology consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while wildlife consultees requested construction safeguards.

“Increased noise and light pollution. Expected 280 visitors but only provision of 69 parking spaces, is this under capacity and is there any provision for staff parking as it currently works out that visitors are 4 people per car? Stated that there is 0% net biodiversity on site but they have not thought about the insects, flora and fauna or birds of prey.”

“Environment Agency 5.25 We note that the applicants have stated that the cost of connecting to the mains drainage system is unfeasible. Therefore, subject to the conditions (foul drainage scheme and development in accordance with the submitted FRA) we withdraw our previous objections. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 5.27 Request the inclusion of a CEMP that demonstrates that the development would not have an unacceptable impact on the nearby Local Wildlife Sites.”

Officer report

What people said

Ten objections cited traffic, roads, noise, lighting, flooding, wildlife, agricultural land and parking, while nineteen supporters cited recreation, health, jobs and the local economy.

“This would be a more sustainable location for the development without the need to repurpose agricultural land • Traffic problems particularly during commuter hours and school term time • There is a bottleneck within the village approaching a narrow, blind bridge and is single file in parts within the village • Would generate local and non-local visitors • 280 visitors as quoted in the application would significantly increase traffic volume • Improvements should be made to…”

“This would be a positive project for this area. It would not only keep the land green and tidy and free from buildings but also provide a recreation for fitness and health with a low noise and pollution impact • A sport which will be year round fun for all ages; kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike. • Encouraging physical activity and supporting mental wellbeing. - Great for social events; parties, family days out and also educational use.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor raised concerns about traffic, owls, lighting and countryside, while the applicant described community, environmental, economic and social benefits.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed jobs, visitor numbers, parking, operating hours, lighting, clubhouse use, security, agricultural land and ecological protection during construction.

“There would be minimal security lighting with bollard lower level lighting to minimise any impact.”

“It was requested that a construction management plan included specific details of ecological measures, including appropriate lighting, during the phase which included the protection of species e.g. owls and bats.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee proposed, seconded and agreed to authorise the Assistant Director to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions:”

Minutes