RESOUNDING “NO” TO 148 HOUSES ON
WOODHAM GOLF COURSE
LOSS OF AMENITY
RISK OF FLOODING
At a passionate meeting in Woodham Community Centre, 120 local residents voiced their anger and concern at the plans put forward by Washington Developments for a multi-million pound scheme to build 148 luxury homes and an hotel at Woodham Golf Course.
Built on what is effectively a flood plain, this massive housing development could cause flooding of nearby homes in the Woodham area. Yet Sedgefield Borough Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report of August 2005 explicitly states that development must take flood risk into account and that new development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided.
“Residents do not want to see houses on open land spoiling their views,” said one. In December, after listening to a presentation by developers Washington Developments, Great Aycliffe Town Council voted 7-1 in favour of the plan. But after vociferous opposition by Woodham residents, in February the Town Council reversed its decision and agreed to oppose the scheme.
A golfer has described Woodham Golf Course as “the jewel in the crown.” The proposed development “would decimate one of the best golf course layouts in the North and will lead to severe flooding downstream in the adjacent housing areas. The natural environment will be destroyed.” This “ill-conceived project” would mean the loss of four of the best holes and the golf course being shortened.
J Hamilton Stutt, the man who designed Woodham Golf Course, has written to the Borough Council expressing his concern that there was no mention of a golf architect. “The course is a quiet, peaceful oasis in a magnificent setting, and four of the best holes will be lost if the plan goes ahead” he says. “The housing development presents an unacceptable degree of danger.” He wrote to “preserve the fine local asset Woodham Golf Course provides.”
The 148 luxury homes will sell for £350,000 up to £750,000 each. The developers have already spent £1m on architects’ and planning consultants’ fees.
Questions to be answered:
1. Is there a proven need for the numbers and type of housing proposed?
2. Is there a proven need for an hotel in this location?
3. This development will put extra traffic on the C35 road. Will it be a condition for the C35 be upgraded before development begins?
4. Has flood risk been fully taken into account?
5. Have biodiversity and conservation issues been considered?
6. Have localised drainage issues been considered?
