Driving range for Thatcham?

Mixed views have been received so far for the golf facility which would be open to schools and community groups

GOLFERS could soon be heading to Lower Henwick Farm to practise their swing, as a plan to turn the land into a driving range has been submitted to West Berkshire Council.

The agricultural land in Turnpike Road, is currently used for crop growing.

The plan, submitted by Carter Jonas on behalf of the applicant, John Mitchell, includes the building of a single-storey structure to accommodate 12 driving range bays and an office.

The application states: “It's proposed to erect a small length of netting on the north-west part of the range to prevent golf balls from being sliced on to the adjoining employment site.

“In addition to providing a valuable community and leisure facility, the applicant is also keen for the driving range to be used by local schools and community groups to encourage youngsters to take up the sport of golf.

“While there are golf courses in and around Newbury and Thatcham, the numbers of driving ranges are limited.”

There are 20 driving range bays at Newbury Golf Centre at Newbury Racecourse and eight at Deanwood Park, Stockcross.

The statement also said that a driving range at Lower Henwick Farm would be easily accessible for people without a car as it is on bus routes.

The application has so far received one objection and two letters of support.

Thatcham resident Richard Garvie said: “I fully support this application as it would provide

an additional facility for the people of Thatcham, and reduce travelling to other facilities.”

Richard Rose lives in Abingdon but said that he hoped the application would go through because it would be easier for him to get to than the ranges in Newbury.

He said: “I am extremely pleased to see an additional driving range facility being planned for Newbury in the Thatcham area as it will increase the choice of sporting activities.

“It is also in a good location with easy access from the north and east, minimising congestion within Newbury itself.

“I hope this application gains approval as I will use the range in preference to others in the Abingdon area.”

However, Mrs Fowler, of Yates Copse, Newbury, objected, saying: “Is it necessary? We have plenty of golf courses which provide excellent facilities for this kind of thing.”

The plans are due to discussed by Thatcham Town Council tonight (Thursday) at a planning meeting, from 7pm in the council chamber, and West Berkshire Council is expected to make a final decision on the plans by December 9.

For the town council's views, see next week's Thatcham News.