Cheshire East takes a swing on golf academy

The authority has approved PGA pro Rob Ashbrook’s plans for an 18-acre site off Bradeley Green Lane, next to the A49 in the village of Wirswall.

Agricultural land in open countryside will house a driving range with 16 bays, including short game and putting game practice areas. An office, car park, and floodlighting also form part of the Ashbrook Golf Zone development.

Concerns were raised about the width of Bradeley Green Lane at Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board meeting.

But councillors were told there had been no objections to the proposal from the authority’s highways department due to the minimal increase in the amount of traffic the development is expected to generate.

A passing bay along Bradeley Green Lane will be created as part of access to the site to help alleviate these concerns.

Officers had recommended approval for the plans signalling the academy and driving range to be an essential facility for outdoor recreation, which complied with policies in the Cheshire East development plan.

They also pointed to a high demand for golf courses within Cheshire East against a lack of other driving range facilities within the area.

The project team features RPS Design Group, Eyebright Ecology, Woodsyde Developments, Old Oak Tree Care, and Bell Lighting.

To view the application, search for reference number 22/0785N on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.