Golf course plan gets second swing at approval

An 18-hole course is planned next to Choices Health Club in Windermere

Plans to build a golf course in the Lake District are set to be approved.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has been recommended to back the creation of an 18-hole facility at Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool in Windermere.

A similar application was refused in July 2023 after planners ruled the proposals would lead to the "deterioration of irreplaceable habitats".

The new proposed site is no longer next to ancient woodland north of the club, with planning officers adding that impacts on neighbours, traffic and parking were "acceptable".

The course would be connected by new pathways, together with features such as bridges, ponds, signage and lighting, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Plans for site also involve re-landscaping the existing car park and renovating the front of the Choices Health Club building, with nine holes will being wheelchair accessible.

The application concluded there was "no potential" for a foreseeable impact on the ancient woodland.

However, The Lakes School and Westmorland and Furness Council filed objections about the potential impact on the "safe operation" of the school, which sits opposite to the health club.

Both raised concerns that building an "attraction in an inappropriate location would introduce levels of activity which would lead to unacceptable impacts on the safe operation of the school, and the safeguarding and amenity of pupils".

A report by planning officers said the course would not introduce "unacceptable level of overlooking" and that quieter periods would likely be mid-week in term time.

LDNPA committee members are due to discuss the application on 6 November.