Driving range in Falmouth pre-application advice response

The application, which was submitted by town and county councillor Alan Jewell and his wife of Pennance Mill Farm, Maenporth Road, looks to offer an all-year round ‘pay and play’ driving range facility after residential developments on land at Falmouth Golf Club removed the previous driving range.

The proposals could see a driving range with up to eight bays installed at the site, with the facility operating during the same hours as the existing pitch-and-putt.

In the pre-applications site appraisal, it states that the site already benefits from the existing infrastructure serving the pitch-and-putt, such as suitable access and parking arrangements, and notes that the design of the driving range unit would consider the Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on the site so that no harm will be possible.

The application also states that the applicants would look to employ sustainable materials that would acknowledge the local character of the area.

It is suggested that the golf driving range unit would take on a timber frame, mono-pitch construction with timber elevations and a 'green roof.'

A drawing of the proposed bays. Picture: Acorus/Cornwall Council.

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A response to the proposals was issued yesterday by Cornwall Council's Principal Development Officer, Mark Ball, who stated: "The provision of a driving range at the existing pitch and putt site would provide a facility for golfers that is currently absent in Falmouth, which would enhance recreational opportunities for both local residents and tourists.

"However, it would be necessary for any planning application to demonstrate that the existing pitch and putt facility, which is designated as public access sports facilities, would not be adversely affected by the proposed development.

"The site is subject to a number of designations, including being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and many of the existing trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders.

"It is not clear to what extent the proposed development may potentially adversely impact upon the character of the area and to what extent the landscape and natural beauty of the AONB may potentially be adversely affected, including in terms of adverse impacts resulting from any proposed external lighting or nets.

"This is a sensitive location in terms of the AONB designation and any scheme that would result in harm to the landscape and natural beauty of the AONB would be contrary to planning policy and is unlikely to be supported by officers.

"Any planning application would need to demonstrate that there would be no material adverse impacts upon the character of the area or upon the landscape and natural beauty of the AONB.

"In conclusion, on the basis of the information provided and in the absence of a detailed scheme and the full suite of surveys, assessments and supporting information it is not possible for me to confirm my support for the proposed development at this time."