GOLF CLUB PLANS REJECTED AS ‘LANDFILL IN DISGUISE’
Improvements are needed to save course as leisure facility
A GOLF club planning to remodel part of its course using waste has been refused permission after objectors branded it ‘landfill in disguise’.
The revamp of the northern part of the Whiston Hall course is needed to improve drainage and make it more accessible for players.
The former members-only facility is now open to the public and a report to Staffordshire County Council’s planning committee stated it had been financially struggling for several years to remain open.
Around 150,000 tonnes of non-hazardous demolition and excavation waste would be brought onto the site. But objectors have raised concerns about the amount and nature of the waste to be used.
Kingsley Parish Council objected to the plans, as did the neighbouring Ipstones and Cotton parish councils.
A further 33 residents raised concerns, which include risk of contaminated land, HGV traffic and damage to a ‘highly sensitive location’.
It was also questioned whether or not the project would be completed within the 24 months proposed.
Resident Sally Marjoram said: “The applicant hasn’t considered or made any attempt to resolve the supposed drainage problem using conventional methods such as gravel soakaways or French drains.
“There is no plan made by the applicant for the material to be tested prior to or upon arrival on site. If left unfinished and contaminated any detrimental effects on the environment would be irreversible.”
But Peter Hopkins, who spoke in support of the application, said: “We are applying for a temporary two-year permission to carry out the works.
“Our proposals have received no objections from Natural England, the Environment Agency or any technical officer at the council.
“These experts are stating that the scheme is acceptable and can be controlled by planning conditions, all of which the applicant fully accepts.
“It is understood the course was constructed by the landowner in 1972 with no golf course architect involved.
“Parts of the existing course are too steep for accessibility and ease of play and some areas don’t drain well. The current playing quality of the course – especially in the northern half where we are proposing these works – is very poor.
“This has resulted in Whiston Hall Golf Club struggling as a business. Without improvements being made it is likely to be lost as a leisure facility.”
The application was recommended for refusal by planning officers before the meeting, who concluded the development ‘could give rise to materially harmful impacts’.
The report added: “The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposal is reasonable and necessary; (and) comprehensive and achievable within the proposed timescale.”
Committee members voted to refuse planning permission.
Committee chairman Councillor Mark Winnington spoke of what happened with the Stafford Castle Golf Club project in his area. He said: “In 2007 Stafford Castle Golf Club wanted to do a re-profile. That was supposed to be done in a couple of years and they have applied now for a continuation.
“The site now pretty much lies moribund so I do take on board the worries of local residents because I have the same in my division.”