Community groups oppose West Common golf hole plans

A number a community forums in the West End of Lincoln have objected to Carholme Golf Club’s plan to return three golf holes to pasture and lift a flooding condition.

According to the proposal, submitted to the City of Lincoln Council Planning Department, the golf club was granted permission in 2008 to redesign their course to not use the West Common holes anymore.

However, a condition meant the golf club also had to maintain the three holes (12, 13 and 14) after removal. This included managing the areas if they flooded.

The club argues that the holes are more prone to flooding due to the housing developments on Long Leys Road.

After waiting to see if the holes would regrow, the club then filled the three areas with topsoil in March to see if grass would take.

The condition could also be submitted to the City Council for variation, so as well as turning the land back into pasture, the club also wants to remove the requirement to investigate and mitigate flooding issues.

The West End Residents Association, Lincoln Commons and Horse Association and local councillor Karen Lee objected to the changes in the condition.

The West End Residents Association feel that the golf club has done little to maintain the holes and return them back to pasture, and the flooding is the result of the area’s past use, not the development. The association feels the gold club should take responsibility for their past course.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Commons and Horse Association say the club should continue to maintain the holes because the flooding is a risk to both the horses and residents. However, they believe while bringing some areas back to pasture has been a success, they still look neglected.

The Wildlife Trust agrees with Lincoln Commons and Horse Association, but add that the flooding cause by the golf holes had a negative impact on wildlife. The Trust therefore approves the idea to remove responsibly from the club.

However, the Development Service Manager believes that despite the objections, the club has tried to turn the land back into pasture in a satisfactory way, and recommends the proposal is approved.

Additionally, the manager adds that the original proposal in 2008 only requires the golf club to address flooding issues if it hinders returning the land to pasture.

Therefore, despite objections, the Planning Committee are being advised to approve Carholme Golf Club’s proposal.

The proposal will be put before the Planning Committee on December 5 at 5,30pm at City Hall.