A disabled golfer’s bid to create a golf driving range on farmland at Stretton to inspire others with disabilities to take up the sport has been rejected by Warrington planners on Green Belt grounds.
George Blackshaw, who recently represented England in the Disability Nations Cup, was seeking planning permission for a change of use of land and the erection of a building for a Golf Driving Range including provision of parking, landscaping and Biodiversity Enhancements together with diversion of public footpath at Walnut Tree Farm, Northwich Road, Stretton.
But planners rejected the application stating it was an “inappropriate development in the Green Belt which is harmful by definition and would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt.”
In a letter supporting the application George, who lost an arm and leg in a lawn mower accident wrote: “After losing my right arm and right leg when I was 15 months old, I have always been determined to not let anything get in my way and overcome any challenge. This has prominently been through my involvement in sports such as football, tennis and most recently golf. The passion behind the driving range project comes for my love of sport and golf.
“Over the past few years I have become involved in disability golf and taken part in many events, which has enabled me to see the amazing impact it can have on people’s lives and confidence.
It really has been inspiring to see how those of varying disabilities adapt and play golf. My aim for the driving range is to encourage disabled and nondisabled to get into the sport that has had such a positive impact on my life.
“The European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) is providing events for disabled golfers to participate in and working alongside them to provide a pathway for players to get into the game of golf is another goal of mine.
“I want to provide a location where disability golf is encouraged and grown and the awareness is increased. There is a huge scope for this with around 18% of the population having at least one disability or long-term health condition and by being active such as golf can provide them with an opportunity to improve their quality of life and be involved socially in something they may not have tried before or had the access to do this.
“Not being made aware of the benefits and the lack of opportunity is a problem at the moment, by offering a venue where we can provide this would be absolutely fantastic.
Initiatives such as providing free sessions and free use of golf clubs at the driving range to allow people with a disability to try the game would be available, and we would ensure that the facilities provided would meet their needs. This would be promoted by contacting local groups that provide help for the disabled in the area such as the Warrington Disability Partnership.
“Over the past couple of years, I have run a social media page on Instagram in an attempt to inspire others to be active and to encourage disabled people to at least give it a go. This has led to some incredible opportunities such as media interactions, having appeared on TV adverts across Sky Sports and leading golf YouTube content creators.
“Recently I have become a brand ambassador for American Golf in an attempt trying to promote inclusivity and awareness of disability golf and to portray the message that nothing is impossible.
“I have recently represented England at the Disability Nations Cup, which was a huge honour and something I will never forget.
“Attending these events is also such an eye-opening experience, to see people of all ages and various disabilities playing the game of golf to such a high standard.
“Also one of the main advantages of this sport and what makes it unique is that all levels can play together, able-bodied and disabled!!
“I believe that this driving range can be the start of some people’s golfing journey and give them a pathway to get them into the game of golf.”
In a letter of support from Golf England, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Jamie Blair wrote: “Our Course Planner, our strategy for golf in England outlines the aims for us to make the
game more inclusive and accessible and additionally recognising the developments that have been happening over many years, that we want to ensure the game welcomes more disabled people.
“At the heart of a great experience for those new to the game and those who have played for years, are the great people and the great facilities that meet their needs.
“It is great to hear that you are looking to increase the opportunities for people to try the game and progress in the game with the addition of a driving range on your property.
“Around 18% of the population in England have at least one disability or long-term health condition and we know that activity that is local and accessible is key to them being active.
“With the lived experience you can bring to the development and also with the input of other disabled golfers you have met through your playing career so far will be important in developing the driving range.
“I hope that you enjoyed your recent experience representing England and that we will see you in an England cap again soon. In the mean time I wish you well with the application and development of the driving range.
But planning officers rejected the application for the following reasons.
1. The proposed development would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt which is harmful by definition and would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt. The proposed development would also conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt by way of encroachment. It is not considered that a case for Very Special Circumstances has been demonstrated to exist that outweighs the harm to the Green Belt, and any other harm resulting from the development.
2.The proposed development including the car parking areas and access does not relate satisfactorily to its rural setting and encroaches into the open countryside and therefore visually damages the open character of the area through not respecting the local character and distinctiveness of the open countryside surrounding the site and has a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the users of the public right of way.
3. It has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that the proposal would not result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land or that any loss has been minimised and that there would be no detrimental impact on the existing agricultural interest or food security.
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3 Comments
Keep trying or they will allow houses/flats to be built on it
This is absolutely disgusting, so it’s ok for WBC to take greenbelt for houses but not fot this project. They are an absolute disgrace. Need to vote them out in May and get Independents elected who will properly represent the town and its residents
What the hell is wrong with Warrington planning department. It will have been ear marked for houses, shame on them for rejecting this good cause