Representation by Orsett Golf Club (Orsett Golf Club )
- Date submitted
- 10 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Ardent acts on behalf of Orsett Golf Club which is registering as an Interested Party. Orsett Golf Club is a well-respected 125-year-old golf club that will be significantly affected by construction of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC). The Club has a full membership and supplies recreation facilities for the local community to enjoy. The building of a six-lane motorway very close to the course will reduce the environmental quality, amenity and enjoyment of the course for users and therefore risks both the reputation of the golf club and value of the course. This is reflected in the DCO Application Environmental Statement, which identifies a ‘Moderate Adverse’ visual impact (which in the Club’s opinion, is an underestimate) and a ‘Major Adverse’ increase in noise of over 5dB(A) over the majority of the course, with the balance subject to a ‘Moderate Adverse’ noise impact (over 3 to under 4.9dB(A)). Amendments to the original route has moved the planned road closer to the course and the decision to no longer lay the road in a cutting will not only add to the noise and visual impact but has necessitated the movement of the large gas main that runs along the Brentwood Road that will require the gas authority to undertake large land movements causing disruption and damage to the wooded boundary and (potentially) to the 9th Hole Championship tee. The Club acknowledges National Highways’ (NH) view that the LTC is needed to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and welcomes its intention to lessen the impact of the motorway on those affected along the route. However, the Club feels strongly that NH could assist it in mitigating some of the damage the chosen route of the LTC will have on the course. Screen Planting The road will be clearly visible and constantly heard along the southern boundary of the course, and the Club has a stated aim to reduce the impact of this with screening. The Club is aware that NH has set itself a target of planting a million trees to offset the carbon effects of the LTC project and believes NH’s agreement to fund tree planting and fencing to provide screening for the course, would be consistent with this objective. To help improve the visual impact and reduce noise, the Club feels large, mature tree transplanting that hides the motorway is not the answer and favors the less expensive option of planting a leylandii hedge (conifer) and then planting more native trees in front of the hedge close to the southern boundary on the 9th hole that will eventually hide most of the leylandii hedge. This will help give all year-round screening. The native trees the Club plans to use are already successful on the course, so that good survival rates can be expected. An irrigation system will also need to be installed (by in-house staff) to ensure the trees flourish. Valuation. The Club also feels, having regard to the possible loss of amenity and reputation that might arise as a result of construction of the LTC that it needs to commission a company to value the course now, so that there is a base value to work from at a later date. It seeks NH’s agreement that the cost of this valuation will be reimbursed. Land Permanently Acquired It would be helpful if NH could provide an early indication of the value it places on the land it intends to acquire from the Club permanently, although it is accepted that this might change slightly by the date the land is vested. Rabbit Fence The Club is pleased that NH intends to purchase land surrounding the golf course for planting in order to further offset the carbon impacts of the Lower Thames Crossing project and wholly supports this initiative. However, such land is a breeding place for rabbits and rabbits can inflict terrible damage to a golf course. The Club therefore further requests that to keep rabbits off the course, it is agreed that on the exact boundary between the land to be used for planting and the course, an appropriate and reliable rabbit fence is erected and maintained by NH. Bat Boxes The Club is aware that NH wishes it to accommodate bat-boxes on the course in various positions and maintain them for a set number of years. The Club is happy to accept the principle of this proposal, subject to detailed agreement. Summary The Club is looking for NH to enter into an agreement to fund screening, planting, irrigation, rabbit fencing and land valuations and considers that such an agreement will help reduce a future compensation claim. An agreement of the type that is being proposed could also set out parameters for how NH and the Club will interface with each other during construction of the Lower Thames Crossing, to minimise any losses that might be incurred during that period.