Opponents aim to sink golf driving range plan

Lyme Regis News 19 May 2006

By CHRIS CARSON

MORE than 40 opponents will take a swing at Lyme Regis Golf Club's latest bid to build a new driving range when it goes before planners next week.

Their third application will be considered by the district council's development control west committee on Thursday, when members will be recommended to throw it out.

Two previous requests were rejected by planning chiefs under delegated powers.

But the latest amended plan has been referred to the full committee for a decision by chairman Owen Lovell - a member of Lyme Town Council which supports the bid.

The committee will be asked to approve a scheme to build a single storey timber clad building, small office and extension to the existing car park at the hilltop beauty spot.

The club says it would be open to the general public and be "an asset for tourism and employment", as well as encouraging local young people to take up the game.

But the committee will hear that objectors include:

The Dorset AONB team, who say: "One of the overriding qualities of this important Ridgeline is its absence of development contributing to a tranquil and rural experience."

East Devon District Council who say: "The building will occupy a highly intrusive and prominent position in an unspoilt rural setting and have significant impact on the landscape views."

Uplyme Parish Council who say: "The site is in an elevated position overlooking attractive countryside in two AONBs and is contrary to policies for protecting the area."

In addition 40 letters of objection have been received with just one in support.

And Principal Area Planning Officer Gerald Hughes will also urge councillors to bunker the proposals.

He says: "On a prominent site, in a visually sensitive location with the AONB, the proposed development would erode the rural character and appearance of the area and, in the absence of an overriding need or justification for the development at this location, priority should be given to the protection of the AONB.

* Opponments of the golf club project also fear it could open the floodgates for future development in the area - possibly paving the way for a fresh attempt to build the controversial Strawberry Field sports complex nearby.