Golf club and neighbours “bunkered” over a fence

A GOLF club and its neighbours are “bunkered” over a plan to erect safety netting to prevent stray balls going into nearby gardens.
The Appleton-based Warrington Golf Club has submitted a part-retrospective planning application for a six metre high fence between the first green and the houses.
There is also a public footpath between the houses and the golf course.
An existing five metre high fence has deteriorated over the years, has holes in it and is no longer considered fit for purpose by the club.
They say 99 golf balls have been hit into the gardens or the public footpath since August 2007.
But three nearby residents – backed by Appleton Parish Council –  have objected.
They say the posts and netting will overshadow their rear gardens, that the fence will be out of character with the area – and the risk from stray golf balls in “minimal.”
The borough council’s development management committee have looked at the issues – but deferred a decision to allow time for talks between the golf club and its neighbours.
Planning officers are recommending the proposal be approved.  They say although there may be some loss of afternoon sunlight in the gardens,  this would be limited to the profile of the posts and would not be significant because the netting would allow light through.
The parish council consider the six metre height to be excessive.