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Search the Public Notice PortalThe expansion of a golf club near St Albans and Hemel Hempstead has been called-in to a council meeting due to its significant impact on surrounding woodland.
An application, submitted on behalf of the Centurion Club in Leverstock Green, aims for 10 additional holes to the existing 18 on the course.
Nine holes would be included in a new 27-hole main layout, with one hole added to an existing hole to form an academy course.
Councillors have requested further discussion due to the proposed removal of 1,000 trees. They believe that conservation, ecological factors and wildlife all need to be considered further.
The St Albans City and District Council's Development Management Committee will meet at 7pm on Monday, June 8, to evaluate the major planning application.
It is recommended the application be referred to the Secretary of State as a Departure from the Development Plan (Green Belt development).
If the Secretary of State does not wish to call in the application then conditional permission would be granted.
During a public consultation period a total of 727 representations were received, of which 466 were in objection to the application and 261 were in support.
Many highlighted the loss of biodiversity and wildlife, impact on Green Belt and destruction of existing woodland.
Meanwhile supporters praised the boost to the local economy, enhancing the existing club and believed plans actually "enhance wildlife".
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Previously, Butterfly Conservation - a charity with the aim of protecting the animal across the UK - warned that the Centurion Club's planning application for 10 addition holes would put two colonies of the White Admiral butterfly at risk.
However, the golf club affirmed that "no evidence of the White Admiral has been found" at the site.
In a supporting statement, the applicant said: "The proposals have sought to minimise impacts on biodiversity and - following the implementation of appropriate avoidance, mitigation and compensation measures - they ensure that no significant harm to biodiversity arises."
A pre-meeting report prepared by case officer Gillian Donald acknowledges all representations and evidence for and against the development.
It concludes: "The principle of the proposed change of use is considered to be acceptable in this location.
"The development will not amount to inappropriate development in the Green Belt. While some harm is identified to the ecology of the site, subject to the stated conditions including the on-going woodland management with associated enhancements and the compensatory planting, the impacts identified are considered to be able to be suitably mitigated.
"Overall, there is therefore no objection to the impact on ecology, including protected species, in this case. No harm is identified to residential amenity and no objection is raised in relation to highways or flooding impacts."
The case officer suggested conditions which should be adhered to as part of any planning grant.
These included woodland compensation planting, a Woodland Management and Maintenance Plan, and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. These must be submitted and approved prior to any development.
The Centurion Club's plans can be viewed by using reference 5/2023/2112 on the St Albans City & District Council planning portal.
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