Policy information sourced from Mole Valley Local Plan

REC12 - DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF COURSES

Proposals for new golf courses and extensions to existing courses will be considered against the following criteria:

  • the impact of the course on the landscape, archaeological remains and historic gardens, sites which are important for nature conservation and identified in Policies ENV9, ENV10, ENV11, ENV12 and ENV13, and the extent to which the proposal makes a positive contribution to these interests;
  • the extent of any built development and facilities and their impact on the character and appearance of the countryside;
  • courses will not be permitted on Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3a agricultural land;
  • the course should have safe and convenient vehicular access to an appropriate classified road. Proposals generating levels of traffic that would prejudice highway safety or cause significant harm to the environmental character of country roads will not be permitted;
  • the extent to which public rights of way are affected and whether any provision is proposed for new permissive rights of way;
  • the provision of adequate car parking which should be discreetly located or screened so as not to have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.

In considering proposals for new golf courses, the Council will require evidence that the proposed development is a sustainable project without the need for significant additional development in the future, such as hotels or conference facilities.

Proposals for new golf courses should be designed to respect the local landscape character. New golf courses in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Area of Great Landscape Value will only be permitted if they are consistent with the primary aim of conserving and enhancing the existing landscape.

For more information please see the Local Plan