Plans to change the use of part of a hotel’s golf course to accommodate six timber lodges have been approved.
West Suffolk Council first received the application from All Saints Hotel, in Fornham St Genevieve, outside Bury St Edmunds, last May.
The hotel was seeking planning permission to convert part of the course to site a cluster of bedroom pods.
Plans to change the use of part of All Saints Hotel’s golf course to accommodate six timber lodges have been approved. Picture: Mark Bullimore Photography
A planning document from the applicant David Harris said these pre-fabricated timber pods would be clad in natural timber boarding or shingles and, as they are mobile and set on wheeled trailers, they technically fall into the classification of caravans and therefore did not need specific planning permission.
However, permission was needed for all the associated engineering works, such as drainage, excavation to level the site and the addition of footpaths and cycle stores.
The pods will be built on the site of the 10th hole and will be located within 100 metres of both the hotel and golfing facilities.
The six pods would be located at the former 10th hole area. Picture: All Saints Hotel
Access to the pods would be by foot or golf buggy with the new accommodation aimed at golfers and guests seeking a short break.
However, the application received several objections from neighbours, who raised concerns about noise pollution and flooding risk, as well as from Bury Town Council, which cited similar concerns.
One objection stated that the proposed re-alignment of the 10th hole could result in golfers teeing off towards those using the public footpath along the River Lark and making their final shots towards houses in Birkdale Court.
Similarly, Fornham All Saints Parish Council and Fornham St Martin cum St Genevieve Parish Council also raised objections during the first round of consultations.
Both councils voiced concerns regarding light and noise pollution, sewage and drainage infrastructure, as well as parking and safety issues.
No objections were raised by any of the councils involved in the second consultation following amendments to the plans.
The plans were approved on Thursday.
The officer report said that while there may be some modest impacts on the rural character of the site and the amenity of neighbours, the principle and detail of the development is considered to be acceptable and in compliance with relevant development plan polices.
