Flak flying (along with errant golf balls) over netting 'solution' to neighbours' safety concerns

                                                                  

Waltham Windmill Golf Course - neighbours are divided over netting plan

NEIGHBOURS in a leafy part of Waltham have fallen out over proposals for a temporary golf ball impact net to be installed on the village golf course.

Waltham Windmill Golf Club, on Cheapside, is concerned that, sooner or later, a poorly-directed ball will cause injury or worse to an occupant of one of the neighbouring properties.

Over the years, there have been many near-misses and some residents, of Golf Course Lane, are enthusiastic about the plan even though the net - 6.5 metres tall and 10 metres wide - would do nothing to improve the outlook from their windows.

However, others are strongly opposed, fearing that balls might be 'trampolined' in their direction or cause noise nuisance either if they collide with the tubular steel supports or if the net flaps in the wind.

There is also a worry that birds or bats could be fatally injured if they fly into the netting.

The golf club hopes that the net will be a temporary measure while trees are planted to provide a more long-term solution.

The application will be determined at Wednesday's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council planning committee with a recommendation by case officer Richard Limmer that it should be approved.

Says he in his report: "In regard to the impacts on neighbours' amenities it is considered that, due to the size, type and position of the proposed netting, it would not have an unduly detrimental impact on the neighbours' residential amenities.

"Comments have been made in regard to the proposed netting displacing stray golf balls by acting as a trampoline. 

"The details supplied for the netting demonstrate that it would be slack and so would absorb the power from the ball and make it drop to the base of the net.

"It is also noted that the NELC Environmental Health team have been involved with the golf club and neighbours to resolve health and safety complaints due to the stray golf balls. 

"The team has  reviewed the application and support the proposed net to address the concerns raised to them. 

"The support from the immediate neighbours is also noted.

"Concerns have been raised in regard to the potential impact on ecology due to the net catching birds and bats. 

"The application has been considered by the council ecologist and no objections have been raised on the basis the proposal would not cause ecological issues. 

"The proposed netting is a temporary measure and of a modest scale. It is positioned in an open area away from flight paths for birds and bats.

"In conclusion, it is considered that the proposed netting would not cause undue harm to the visual character of the area, neighbours amenities or ecology. 

"It is a temporary measure to resolve a health and safety issue and is recommended for approval."

                                                                 

Cleethorpes architects Hodsons have supplied this image of the proposed fencing 

                                                                  

Netting, along with fencing (as here at a school in Cleethorpes), is perilous to birds and bats