Calls to save Yarm Driving Range amid 600 homes plan appeal

Yarm Driving Range was left facing an uncertain future last May after Taylor Wimpey announced plans to build hundreds of houses on the fields off Green Lane. 

While the £133m bid featured the retaining Hutchinson Hobbs Farm Shop and the buildings home to the driving range, the facility itself was not part of the proposals. 

The plans were rejected earlier this year after receiving almost 600 objections and sparking a ‘Save Yarm’ petition - but the developer lodged an appeal soon after.

A seven-day inquiry by a government inspector is now scheduled for September - and ahead of this, Yarm ward councillor Andrew Sherris, who is one of three councillors involved in the appeal, is campaigning to save Yarm Driving Range. 

Yarm Driving Range (Image: CLLR ANDREW SHERRIS)

Stockton Borough Council’s original report stated that the driving range buildings would be “reused by the landowner" if the plans were approved.

It stated: “The driving range has no statutory protection and is a commercial enterprise and whilst it is regrettable that the facility will close it is not an asset of community value… and therefore the loss can be given limited weight.”

But at March’s planning committee meeting, planning services manager Simon Grundy said the driving range was not considered an open space and was a “commercial entity” but that he understood it would be retained.

A satellite map of the site where Taylor Wimpey proposes to build up to 600 homes in Yarm. Picture: Taylor Wimpey.

Cllr Sherris said the fact that the driving range “could not be classed as a community asset” has now “been picked up by the inspector for further analysis”.

He said: “I decided to do an informal poll on one of the Yarm Facebook sites to gauge reaction and a strength of feeling as to what residents and visitors actually felt.

“Within hours I had more than 100 posts from local people telling me the importance of retaining this facility for many reasons including inclusion, physical and mental wellbeing plus a genuine community asset teaching skills across a wide age range.

Andrew Sherris, Yarm Conservative councillor.

“The owners have put significant investment into the premises in recent years with online booking and coaching facilities.

“It's not just hitting golf balls but far more than that!”

Resident Martin Kiddle was one of the people who raised concerns over losing the driving range, describing it as “much more than just a leisure facility”. 

He said: “It is a well-used local facility that provides an affordable and accessible place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy golf, exercise, and spend time outdoors.

“It encourages physical activity, supports mental wellbeing, brings families and friends together, and introduces many people to the game who may never feel comfortable joining a golf club.

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“It is used by beginners, experienced golfers, children, and older residents alike, making it a genuine community asset.

“Its location alongside the farm shop also benefits the wider local economy, with many visitors using both facilities during the same visit.

“Losing the driving range would mean the loss of a valued recreational space that serves the local community in ways that cannot easily be replaced.

“I hope the inspector gives full consideration to the significant community value of the driving range and the positive contribution it makes to local residents' health and wellbeing.”

The Northern Echo understands that the decision will ultimately lie with the developer if the appeal is successful.

When asked about the new estate not incorporating the facility in its plans earlier this year, a Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said they were not finalised and could change. 

The site remains open as normal at this time.

Yarm Driving Range underwent a major refurbishment in 2023 after being taken over by new owners Jack Pickering, Charlie Irvine, and Kieron Watson.

(Image: P+HS ARCHITECTS / TAYLOR WIMPEY)

Thousands of pounds was spent on renovating the interior - from the balls and targets to the lighting and walls - with Trackman golf tracking technology then being added to every bay. 

Last July, it also welcomed burger spot Par and Patty, with young entrepreneur George Robinson continuing to draw in positive reviews for his “incredible” food. 

The potential loss of the range is just one of a number of issues set to be heard during the appeal, which has been scheduled to start on September 15. 

The inspector, George Underwood, expects to hear statements and evidence from the council and developer about landscape, roads, ecology, planning and infrastructure. 

He will also hear from interested parties in the appeal against the council planning committee’s decision to throw out the bid in March. 

Taylor Wimpey argues permission should be granted for the “relatively modest” number of homes in a “sustainable location”. 

But concerns have been raised over the impact on roads, Northern Powergrid’s electricity network, which has “limited capacity to support additional homes without upgrades”, and the need to upgrade the Crathorne Interchange on the A19.

A spokesperson for the developer previously said: "We were disappointed that our proposals for a new community/development at Green Lane, Yarm were refused.

"We will continue to work closely with Stockton Council and local stakeholders as part of the planning appeal process.”