Epping Forest - RST19 Design, Layout, and landscaping of golf courses

RST19 Design, Layout, and landscaping of golf courses

The design, layout and landscaping of golf courses and golf driving ranges should be such that:

they are demonstrably based on a thorough appraisal of all existing site features and the site’s context in the surrounding landscape;
the adverse visual impact of any bunkers, artificial mounding, water features and other features potentially alien to the landscape is minimal;
any buildings and car parks shall be well screened from the adjacent countryside by either existing or proposed landscaping and/or earth forms;
as many as possible of the existing landscape features (e.g. hedgerows, woodlands and watercourses) are retained and incorporated into the design of the course;
any sites of archaeological interest are not disturbed, damaged or destroyed;
new landscaping must be adequately designed to enhance the ecological value of the area;
the proposal respects and takes account of the existing landscape context including its history and any existing features of historic interest;
existing footpaths and bridleways shall be safeguarded unless adequate and appropriate diversions are agreed with the Council;
new or improved footpaths and bridleways are provided in appropriate instances; and
the layout of the fairways shall be such that no danger from stray golf balls is likely to occur to users of adjacent highways and rights of way or to residential properties.

For more information, please see the Combined Policies document