Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan

96 Medium Intensity Leisure Uses in the Green Belt

Medium intensity leisure uses in the Green Belt will normally be restricted to “Type B” uses (see paragraph 10.4 (2)) and areas other than Landscape Conservation Areas (see Policy 104 and Figure 14). Within Landscape Conservation Areas, Type B uses will normally be permitted if they conform to Policy 104. Where possible, redundant land and buildings should be used.

In very special circumstances, permission may be granted for the construction of small ancillary buildings, unobtrusive spectator accommodation, or other essential facilities. Access arrangements must be consistent with Policy 34, particularly point (7) concerning local rural roads. In addition, the following criteria also apply:

  • Golf Courses: these shall respect existing landform, landscape and habitats. Provision shall be made for new planting and habitat creation, and wherever possible new safe routes shall be created which increase public access to the countryside. Planning applications should be accompanied by a feasibility report on the environmental impact and accommodation requirements of the proposal, so that the type, scale and particular needs of the proposal can be assessed against Green Belt objectives. Golf courses permitted shall be subject to conditions controlling the layout of the course and stating that planning permission will be required for any amendment to the course layout;
  • Riding Stables: in order to minimise conflicts between riders and other road users, stables should be located close to existing bridleways or include off-road routes over which the proprietor has control;
  • Motor Sports and other Noisy Recreational Activities: activities such as motor sports, motorbike scrambling, clay pigeon shooting and war games shall be located with special care. Proposals shall not be visually intrusive, detrimental to the amenity of residential property, impinge upon ecologically sensitive areas or present a hazard to the users of highways, public rights of way or cycleways;
  • Water Sports: in order to meet the need for outdoor watersports, opportunities to create new water features shall be investigated (e.g. as part of afteruse schemes for aggregate workings).

For more information please see the Local Plan