The plans

Site location

Aerial site location plan, please click below to view and download.

Masterplan

Illustrative masterplan, please click below to view and download.

Application Boundary

Driving range enhancements, please click below to view and download.

The proposed development will build on the recent investment in Toptracer technology at the driving range to further enhance the user experience and attract a more diverse customer group to Paultons Golf Centre.

Extending the driving range

The driving range currently has a maximum length of approximately 220m with the longest available target distance set at 200m. The range was established thirty years ago and the advancements in both golf club technology and golf ball design has resulted in players of all abilities being able to drive the ball far greater distances.

It is therefore proposed to extend the driving range further in its existing south westerly orientation by some 100m. This would provide a total driving range length of approximately 300m.

A contoured landform would be constructed, for safety purposes, around the extended driving range. This would be in the form of a landscaped mound, created using imported clean inert soils, designed with a smooth flowing and sinuous shape which would vary in height (from 3m to 6m above the existing levels) to enable the safe containment of golf balls within the driving range.

Size and Design

The area of the development footprint measures 9Ha (i.e. the application boundary). Of this the existing driving range measures ~2.3Ha with the proposed range extension and new landscape planted contoured landform measuring some ~4.3Ha.

The proposed extension and containing landform have been landscape-led in its design by a landscape architect. The design has sought to ensure that the extended range and landform fits within the setting of the immediate golf course and is sensitive to its wider landscape setting. The design also includes proposals of substantial native planting that would deliver both landscape and biodiversity benefits.

The design has also had the golf course user in mind. This includes the creation of an extended range that would allow players to make best use of the academy facilities to learn, practice and improve their game as well as establishing safe conditions that would allow the academy course to return to 9-holes from the current 6.

Reinstatement of 9-hole short course

Although originally designed as a 9-hole course, the current short course was cut to 6 holes for safety reasons. As part of this planning application, Paultons Golf Centre is proposing to reinstate the 9-hole course which will allow for and facilitate high quality young and disabled golf to be played.

It will be the first 9-hole disability golf course in the country as well as being a USGA-standard short course to help get young golfers into the game, while honing the skills of those who want to develop a career out of the game.

Landscape enhancements and biodiversity

The proposed development would not impact upon designated ecological sites. The development would deliver a significant net gain to biodiversity through new habitat creation; principally deriving from new native planting and its management.

The proposed development would include a range of landscape and habitat enhancements, including:

  • Additional native tree planting

  • Wildflower Grassland areas

  • Additional native shrub planting

  • Rough grassland habitats

  • Woodland Management Plan