Plans Underway for New Adventure Golf Course in South Cumbria

The Lake District is potentially poised to host a novel 18-hole adventure golf course, pending the approval of Choices Health Club’s resubmitted planning application by the Lake District National Park Authority. The proposed site for the course is at Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool in Windermere.

Following an initial rejection of the plans in July on the grounds of potential environmental impact, the health club has made revisions and is now seeking reapproval. The proposed operating hours for the golf course vary based on the season, with plans for it to be operational from 9:15 am until one hour after sunset from October to March, and until 9pm or one hour after sunset from April to September.

The new site would be positioned southeast of the health club, addressing previous concerns regarding its proximity to ancient woodland. The objective is to provide a unique recreational opportunity for both current club members and tourists visiting the area.

In the spirit of inclusivity, the adventure golf course is designed to feature nine wheelchair-accessible holes, catering to a broader demographic. Furthermore, the proposed development is anticipated to bring about significant biodiversity enhancements to the site, without posing any foreseeable impact on the surrounding ancient woodland.

Nevertheless, objections have been voiced by local establishments such as The Lakes School and the Westmorland and Furness Council, expressing apprehensions about the potential impact on the school’s safe operations and the welfare of its students. The council and school assert that the introduction of a new tourism attraction in the area could lead to unacceptable levels of activity that may disrupt the school’s environment.

While the health club acknowledges the potential for noise generated by the golf course, they assure that it will not be significant enough to cause disturbance to nearby residents. They also emphasize that the majority of the club’s usage occurs during evening hours, minimizing any noticeable increase in vehicle traffic.

The planning application is presently under review, with the community encouraged to partake in respectful and constructive discussions regarding the proposed project. The ability to comment on the issue is considered a privilege, and any misuse or abuse of this privilege will not be tolerated.

As the Lake District continues to allure visitors from around the world, it is imperative to thoughtfully deliberate the impact of new developments on the local environment and community. If greenlit, the adventure golf course could provide a distinctive and inclusive leisure opportunity, all while upholding the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.