Golf club plan ruled out of bounds (From Wiltshire Times)

Golf club plan ruled out of bounds

10:59am Tuesday 13th November 2007 in Melksham By Craig Evry

A GOLF club owner who wants to build a house for the course manager to improve security looks set to be disappointed for a third time.

Bob Nicholas insists the house on land north west of Whitley Golf Club in Corsham Road is paramount to the club's security.

He previously told the Wiltshire Times the course had been repeatedly targeted by vandals and the house was needed to provide overnight accommodation for the manager.

But the planning policy department at West Wiltshire District Council insists it has seen no police evidence to back up the claim and said the three-bedroom house was an "excessive measure" to improve security.

National planning policy is against residential developments in open countryside unless there is a vital need.

A report by planning officer Matthew Perks, due to be considered by the council's planning committee on Thursday night, added: "There would appear to be no need in terms of golf course security specific considerations for a three bedroom dwelling on this site.

"While recognising that it would be convenient for the club owner's son to be resident on the site, this personal circumstance cannot be considered as justification."

He recommends the committee refuse the plans.

This is the third time Mr Nicholas has attempted to gain planning permission for the home.

His latest revised plans have appeased Melksham Without Parish Council who said all its concerns had been addressed.

But the council declared an interest as Mr Nicholas had offered a patch of land next to the golf club driveway for use as public open space.

He will only hand over the land if planning permission for the home is granted.

Residents living in the area also raised concerns over several issues including the loss of rural buffer land between Shaw and Whitley, the loss of trees and the fact a dangerous precedent could be set for inappropriate development outside of defined settlement limits.

Responses also stated that Mr Nicholas had unused buildings three minutes away in Westlands Lane.

Local district councillor Terry Chivers is also opposed to the application.