Copyright expressandstar
Earlier this year a planning application was submitted to South Staffordshire Council to convert the former Staffordshire Golf Club in Wombourne. The club closed in early 2022 due to financial difficulties and the ongoing lockdown restrictions during Covid-19. Developers Prime Oak say redeveloping the site is the best option economically. But the plans to demolish the existing clubhouse and driving range buildings for development for three detached houses along with three garages were refused by planning officers. In planning documents submitted by the developer it was claimed that the development would be limited to the area already occupied by existing buildings. In addition two areas of woodlands were proposed to contribute to ecological enhancement and habitat creation. The planning statement said: “This proposal is a unique opportunity to secure a high quality redevelopment of previously developed land which would not only replace buildings that are otherwise likely to remain disused, but which would also support the expansion of a local business and associated jobs, whilst in addition facilitating substantial new tree planting to the benefit of the wider landscape and biodiversity. “Although outside the settlement boundary of Wombourne, the proposed development would remain relatively close to it, close enough to be accessible to the facilities offered by this main service village by means other than the private car. There would be significant visual, environmental and biodiversity gains through the provision of new replacement buildings of a high quality design sympathetic to this location, and through new landscaping and planting.” The application was refused amid concerbs over greenbelt harm and the inappropriate location of the development. Officers said: “ While the design quality and ecological enhancements are acknowledged, the proposal fails to overcome the fundamental policy objections relating to Green Belt harm and unsustainable location. The development is considered contrary to both local and national planning policy.” Earlier this week the plans were formally appealed to the planning inspector. Final comments from the applicant and council are due to be submitted by mid-December. A decision is expected early next year
