Objectors get set to oppose golf club plan

Lyme Regis News 3 March 2006

CONSERVATIONISTS are hoping to bunker Lyme Regis Golf Club's third attempt to build a driving range.

West Dorset District Council is being asked to approve amended plans for a single storey timber-clad building, small office and extension to the existing car park at the hilltop beauty spot, but objectors are already teeing up to take a swing at the proposals.

Uplyme Parish Council has already voiced its total opposition to a driving range in that location. They fear it will tower over the Harcombe Valley and could lead to light and noise pollution.

They also feared 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.

The golf club says the facility is needed to encourage younger players and the income would help with their viability. There would be no external lighting.

Comments on the latest proposal may be sent to the planning department at Dorchester by March 31.

The club's previous application for a driving range was refused by the district council last August which said the proposal comprised development within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Strawberry Field ball is in Seasiders' court

Lyme Regis News 3 March 2006

THE BALL is in Lyme Football Club's court over the use of hoped for playing facilities at Strawberry Field

That's the message this week from the council's Strawberry Field Committee chairman, Owen Lovell, who says: "We are waiting for an undertaking from Lyme Regis Football Club that it intends to use pitches at Strawberry Field. "We have asked for a commitment from the club in writing but have heard nothing from the Seasiders in months.

"The FA has informed us in writing that it will give a 50 per cent grant if there is a willingness from the football club to use the pitches."

FC chairman Philip Evans, speaking at a museum exhibition on Friday night to mark the 120th anniversary of the club, said: "The Strawberry Field project is not dead."

And replying to Coun Lovell's remarks, Mr Evans said the _ Seasiders were committed to having their headquarters at Davey Fort, although they would welcome playing facilities at Strawberry Field.

"The football club has told the council verbally that it is prepared to use pitches at Strawberry field, providing they are up to standard, and will be happy to confirm it in writing," he added.

Strawberry Field was purchased by the town council for £55,000 for recreational purposes.

A big fundraising campaign to create a home for the football club, with major facilities including a large building, was conducted by the Seasiders, but the project ground to a halt when the club withdrew, having been informed that planning consent would not be forthcoming.

It is understood, however, that the planners may be more sympathetic to a more modest scheme with a couple of pitches and just the essential changing facilities.