Unveiling the two-phase proposal for planning application submission at East Horton Golf Course

East Horton Golf Club is poised for an exciting transformation following a comprehensive planning application prepared and submitted by Exdell Ltd. This ambitious project unfolds in two phases, focusing on enhancing the golfing experience while championing sustainability and biodiversity. This proposal not only aims to address key areas of improvement for Golf Club members and guests but also enhances the landscape setting of the site. As the community gears up for this change, the benefits for both players and the environment are becoming clearer.

Overview of the proposal

The planning application divides the proposal into two distinct phases: Phase 1 focusing on the existing driving range and Greenland Course, and Phase 2 proposing a new driving range within the existing Parkland Course. Each phase is designed to complement the other, reinforcing a commitment to delivering new facilities, biodiversity gains, improving accessibility, and elevating the overall golfing experience. Notably, the project will deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) of 30%. This is three times the national minimum for all planning applications.

Phase 1: Greenland Course enhancements

Overall, Phase 1 seeks to address some existing shortcomings with the Greenwood Course and to make better use of the space currently occupied by the driving range.

Greenwood - First hole

The narrow 1st fairway sits between ancient woodland and the stream, predominantly within a flood zone. Anyone who has played the Greenwood Course will know that the 1st hole can become very waterlogged and muddy. It rarely receives direct sunlight, even during summer months, and the surface is always poor with grass struggling to establish and frequent large muddy patches and puddles at all times of the year. It is one of the most frequently closed holes of the Greenwood Course due to flooding and muddy surfacing, meaning that members often have to start from the 2nd Hole which is a long walk from the Clubhouse and Greenside Bar. When open, the 1st hole is limited in the quality of gameplay. The Tee Box position means that golfers have to cross the 18th green when starting, causing interruptions to gameplay. The initial drive is at an angle to the fairway, meaning that if the drive is not shortened the ball enters the ancient woodland and is frequently lost. After a successful first drive, the fairway is narrow, shaded and muddy. Overall, therefore, the 1st hole is a compromise. Constraints in the area mean that very little can be done to improve its quality in situ.

1st tee

It is therefore proposed to create a brand new 1st tee box and fairway. The new fairway would be created on the other side of the river, along part of the existing driving range. The new tee box(es) would be positioned closer to the Greenside Barn and north of the 18th green so that there is no interference between the two. This allows a full 300-yard drive with front tee boxes provided to allow shorter drive distances as well. The new fairway has a natural camber toward the watercourse, meaning that players can aim ‘high’ and towards the new garden and landform to be created on the existing golf course. Follow up shots from the new fairway will cross the river to the existing 1st green; players will cross the river by an existing footbridge.

This will offer significant improvement to the 1st hole. The new 1st hole will have much greater weather resilience and should suffer far less from waterlogging. The shots will be much more open and linear. The new tee boxes will be directly in front of the Greenside Bar, meaning players start and finish next to the bar/café, and that the 1st tee and 18th green are overlooked, creating an attractive setting for players and spectators. The existing 1st fairway can be given over to planting which will soften and enhance the existing ancient woodland edge. It will also prevent balls being lost within the woodland and players entering the woods to search for them. Finally, the alterations support enhancement of the 18th green.

Improved 18th green and garden creation

The 18th hole is the last on the Greenwood Course, dropping down from the ridge adjacent the woodland and finishing on the 18th green directly in front of the Greenside Bar. Views from the 18th tee are really spectacular with a long, unimpeded fairway. However, there is always scope for improvement!

The proposed arrangement moves the 1st tee beyond the 18th green, meaning that players do not have to walk across / around the 18th green when starting out. The 18th green can be enlarged to further improve the quality of the hole. The proposal also allows the introduction of some landforms and planting which introduce a degree of separation between 1st tee and 18th green, and which serve as a backstop for stray balls.

18th hole

The first and last holes are arguably the most crucial to the overall experience, allowing players to start and finish with a good quality game and course. Collectively, the proposal will result in substantial improvements to these holes which enhance seasonal resilience and the experience of gameplay on offer. At the same time they avoid all key constraints and offer the opportunity for extensive landscape planting and wildlife enhancements which will also contribute to the course setting.

As above, part of the existing driving range will be given over to a new fairway. The remainder is proposed for new landforms, formal and informal gardens. Use as a venue for conferences, weddings and other events is a key offering at East Horton Golf Course. The venue is extremely popular for weddings given its attractive parkland setting. At the same time, the availability of garden space is a significant limitation with events unable to stray-over onto the Golf Course which is generally in use. The proposal will therefore create a series of open spaces suiting a variety of purposes and users. Closest to the Clubhouse and venue buildings will be an attractive, flat, formal garden which is accessible to all. Moving away from the Clubhouse, this will gradually change to increasingly informal garden area with a circular walkway terminating at a local high spot. This will provide an opportunity for seating and to watch players on the new 1st green from a safe distance. Further still, the remaining area will be given over to landscape planting and wildlife enhancements.

Collectively, the proposed landform serves a number of important functions:

1.      It allows creating of a new swale along the boundary with the existing landfill site. This will contain surface water runoff from both directions, controlling flows to the existing watercourse and providing a naturalised opportunity to filtration, sediment and water management.

2.      It screens the edge of the new 1st fairway, ‘capturing’ stray balls and also serving and important landscape and visual function by enclosing the area.

3.      It screens unsightly views of the landfill area and boundary with the same.

4.      It allows creation of a level garden area which is accessible to and overlooked by the three venues on offer.

Enhancements to accessibility and drainage

The proposal prioritizes improving accessibility throughout the course. By addressing existing waterlogging issues and incorporating advanced drainage systems, the project aims to ensure that the golfing grounds stay playable in various weather conditions - and not just playable, but enjoyable - our priority is to enhance the setting, play and overall experience.

Phase 2: Parkland Course development

New 300-yard driving range

The proposal is to create a new 300-yard driving range to replace the existing, complete with a modern driving range building. The location has been selected for a number of reasons:

-        Sufficient scale to accommodate a full driving range

-        Very limited impacts arising from the proposal – few constraints

-        The area is oversized for the holes it currently contains. These holes are compromised by the slopes and waterlogging

-        Proximity to the access road for those wishing to use the driving range only

The design is such that the whole driving range is along a gradual upward gradient. The range itself would be within a shallow depression so that raised edges and associated planting screen the range from other views, as well as helping to trap stray balls. The landform edges give the opportunity to create new swales, again controlling surface water runoff as well as sediment management.

The driving range building is to be in outline with parameters set for position, maximum footprint and height. The range will reuse the existing footpaths and river crossings and an accessible pathway is proposed.

Outline for future driving range building

While still in the conceptual stage, the planning application includes an outline proposal for a new driving range building equipped with modern amenities. This improvement will enhance the golfing experience, providing golfers with more resources, and is expected to boost practice and play attendance.

Commitment to biodiversity net gain (BNG)

A standout feature of the planning application is that it achieves a 30% biodiversity net gain. Strategic planning and habitat restoration are key to this goal. For example, this may involve planting trees and shrubs that support local wildlife, thus improving ecosystem balance. Each phase will contribute positively to the local environment, specifically benefiting native flora and fauna, which is vital for natural sustainability.

Looking towards a sustainable future

The planning application submission for East Horton Golf Course marks a vital step towards substantial investment in the course facilities. Our expectation is that this proposal will mark the first in a series of improvements to the Greenwood and Parkland courses as well as the Clubhouse, parking area and other venues on offer.

This proposal not only ensures improved playing conditions but also emphasizes the importance of conserving our natural surroundings for future generations. For local golfers and community members, the transition of East Horton Golf Course into a more sustainable and engaging environment is both exciting and inspiring.