The Lake District adventure golf course is set to be approved by planners
Members of the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee are being recommended to approve proposals from Choices Health Club to build an 18-hole adventure golf course at Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool in Windermere.
The golf attraction would consist of an 18-hole course connected by new pathways, as well as features such as bridges, greens, ponds, signage and lighting.
Plans also include redesigning the existing parking lot and renovating the front of the gym building.
Plans for a golf attraction were rejected by the LDNPA in July 2023 after planners decided the proposals would, among other things, lead to the “degradation of irreplaceable habitats”.
However, the new proposed location is southeast of the gym and no longer adjacent to the old woodland area north of the club.
The planning statement states: “The proposal would be located to the south-east of the existing health club and it is proposed to offer this leisure facility to diversify the existing leisure offering for existing users and to provide a diverse attraction for tourists who already attend the gym. “
According to the planning documents, the adventure golf course will have nine holes that are wheelchair accessible.
The planning statement said the proposals would result in “significant improvements to biodiversity” at the site.
An environmental assessment accompanying this application concludes that, given the nature and scale of the proposed development, it is believed there is “no potential” for any foreseeable impact on the ancient woodland.
However, Lakes School and Westmorland and Furness Council, the local education authority, have objected to the plans over the potential impact of the proposals on the school’s “safe running”.
An objection lodged on behalf of the council and Lakes School said: “Our clients oppose the proposals on the grounds that they involve the creation of a new tourist attraction in an inappropriate location which would lead to activities leading to unacceptable impacts “on the safe operation of the school and the protection and comfort of the students.”
A report from national park planning officials said the plans would not introduce “unacceptable levels of overlooking” and would likely introduce quieter periods midweek in term time.
“I therefore do not believe that the planned activity associated with the use would lead to unreasonable impacts on the students of the school, in particular on the use of the sports hall,” the report continues.
It is proposed that the golf course be open from October to March from 9:15 a.m. to one hour after sunset. From April to September the golf course closes at 9:00 p.m. or one hour after sunset, whichever is earlier.
Planning officers conclude: “The proposals are supported by the development plan policy as a community facility, as a tourist attraction and as an existing business.”
“The site-specific impacts in relation to neighbours, traffic and parking that would occur in the context of an established gym and swimming pool, as well as the wider context of its car park and extensive school buildings nearby, are considered acceptable.”
Members of the development control committee will discuss the application at their meeting on November 6 at Murley Moss, the national park’s headquarters.
