A DECISION about whether to give the go-ahead to a revamp of Stratford’s mini golf course has become more about fencing than putting.
Plans to revamp Stratford mini golf in Swans Nest Lane are set to go before councillors on Wednesday September 27.
The proposal to redevelop the current golf course by adding a new coffee shop, a change of surfacing, perimeter fencing, as well as a second course and walkway, will be discussed by members of Stratford District Council’s planning committee.
And planning officers have recommended the committee grant the application despite some dispute over the proposed 1.5 metre mesh fencing.
Ward member, Coun Jenny Fradgley said she was in favour of the plans.
She said: “I have visited the mini golf course site many times and spoke to the applicants. As I understand they are keen to develop this popular business on their existing site and want to give some protection to the site with fencing of some kind.
“Having looked at the fencing around the boules club and the tennis courts it seems to me something similar would be acceptable. A mesh fence of an agreed height to prevent easy access to the site. A mesh fence to have biodiverse planting around to camouflage the mesh in a few years. Hawthorn, sloe berry would be suitable. Native, thorny plants proving habitat for insets and wild life. I also think there are areas within the site that could be managed as a wild flower meadow.
“I support this application providing the fencing is an enhancement to biodiversity.”
One letter of support has been received by SDC stating that the proposal would improve the facility and the area, and the proposals were not intrusive.
And there was one letter in opposition expressing concern the proposed fencing was not acceptable in this location.
Planning officers reassured that the fencing required by the applicant to prevent anti-social behaviour out-of-hours would be temporary and will be replaced by hedging in the near future once the planting is established.
They recommended councillors grant the application as they did not think the proposal would give rise to any unacceptable harm to the nearby Grade II listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre or the conservation area.
