A golf club can increase the height of its driving range fencing to combat a ‘clear risk of injury’.
Bury St Edmunds Golf Club, on Tut Hill, Fornham All Saints, had applied to West Suffolk Council increase the height on the right hand side of its facility.
A planning statement said the fencing was originally installed at an approved height, but since the driving range opened it had ‘become evident’ this was not enough to fully contain golf balls within the range’s boundary.
Bury St Edmunds Golf Club was granted permission to increase the height of its driving range fencing. Picture: Mecha Morton
It said, on occasion, balls have travelled beyond the range and onto the neighbouring golf course, ‘creating a clear risk of injury to players and other users’.
The fencing on the left side had already been raised for enhanced protection.
“The proposed increase in the netting height is therefore not an aesthetic or operational preference but a necessary safety measure,” the statement said.
Bury St Edmunds Golf Club was granted permission to increase the height of its driving range fencing. Picture: Mecha Morton
“It directly addresses the identified hazard and ensures the responsible management of the site in line with Bury St Edmunds Golf Club’s duty of care.”
Penelope Mills, service manager (planning – development) at the council, agreed the variation and suggested the applicants check with Building Control to see whether another application was required under building regulations.
The netting which protects the range is lightweight and mostly transparent and so has little effect on the character of the area.
The golf club said in the statement the increase in height was a ‘proportionate and practical’ response to a safety issues and would ensure the driving range remained a ‘well-managed, safe, and positive asset for the local area’.
