A planning inspector has rejected proposals to demolish a golf driving range and construct seven homes on green belt land. The plans involved the demolition of the former Kearsley golf driving range and clubhouse, located on Moss Lane, which would have been replaced with three-bedroom bungalows.
The driving range ceased operations in 2023, and Bolton Council initially dismissed the redevelopment plans in May 2024. The council's decision notice stated that the proposals would 'cause significant harm to the openness of the green belt'.
However, M Warburton, the applicant, appealed against this decision, leading to a government planning inspector reviewing the case. In December, the appeal's outcome was released, with the inspector concurring with the original decision.
Documents supporting the plans recognised the importance of preserving green belt land. The applicant contended that the development would occupy 22 per cent less area than the existing driving range and result in a 16 per cent reduction in the volume of built structures.
The statement read: "This reduction ensures minimal impact on the landscape and surrounding environment reducing the impact on the openness of the green belt", reports .
The planning inspector's report stated: "The appeal site is clearly separated from Kearsley by the undeveloped parts of the golf driving range facility and therefore, it does not form part of this urban area."
“The proposal, if it was developed in accordance with the illustrative drawings, would have a greater spatial impact on the openness of the green belt than the existing development. I am uncertain how seven dwellings with their associated gardens, parking areas and an internal access road could occupy the appeal site without significantly increasing the spread of built development."
The appeal was dismissed due to the impact on the green belt.
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