Policy information sourced from Welwyn Hatfield District Plan

RA22 Golf Courses

Planning permission for golf courses will only be granted where all of the following criteria are met:

  • New development necessary for the operation of the golf course should be small scale and ancillary to the use of the golf course; the re-use of existing redundant buildings should be considered first; no residential accommodation will be permitted;
  • The development (including any buildings) will not have an adverse effect on the appearance and character of the local rural area including its landscape features and its historical and archaeological interest;
  • The design of the course retains existing landscape features and the need for land contouring is minimised - importation of materials to the site will not be permitted, except for the construction of bunkers, greens and water features;
  • The design and landscaping of the course should enhance biodiversity by retention of existing natural habitats, creation of appropriate new habitats and by taking into account the objectives of the local Biodiversity Action Plan;
  • Any new development must be acceptable in terms of its impact on the highway network and highway safety. A transport assessment will be required in accordance with Policy M2 which will include the accessibility of the site by a choice of modes of transport;
  • The site for the course is large enough to accommodate, as a minimum, a full nine-hole course and will not include any driving ranges or additional recreational uses unconnected with golf; and
  • The course design and choice of grass and tree species should minimise water use and alternative water supplies to abstraction from the aquifer or river should be provided to service the course.

The proposal will be expected to be in accordance with the Design policies in the Plan and the Supplementary Design Guidance. Floodlighting will not normally be acceptable.

For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan