Newport City Council has approved a development at Parc Golf Club in Coedkernew for an indoor golf simulator, coaching bay and putting simulator.
The local authority rubber-stamped the scheme via delegated powers despite its countryside location and flood risk designation.
Planning officers characterized the addition as modest in scale and established that it would cause no harm to the surrounding open countryside, green wedge or Special Landscape Area.
Officers explained that the scheme simply upgrades amenities at an existing golf facility without introducing a more intensive form of development.
The new building will measure two metres tall, six metres wide and 3.7 metres deep, connecting to the present lean-to bays.
The design incorporates a small pitched roof, timber cladding and a roller shutter door oriented away from the access road.
Officers indicated that the scheme is appropriately sized with limited public visibility.
The council’s landscape officer raised no objection and confirmed no trees would be affected by the works.
The site sits within Flood Zone 3 according to Natural Resources Wales mapping.
However, officers determined that because the extension is minor and subservient to the existing clubhouse, it would not increase flood risk or reduce floodwater storage capacity.
Highways officers also raised no concerns, noting the extension would not impact parking or traffic flow.
A nearby public footpath would stay unaffected.
No harmful impact on residential amenity was found, as the structure would remain attached to existing bays and would not constitute harmful development for neighbouring properties.
Ecology officers observed the ground comprises regularly mown amenity grassland with no significant habitats, and the building offers unsuitable conditions for roosting bats.
Natural Resources Wales indicated the scheme is unlikely to damage the adjacent Gwent Levels – St Brides Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Planners observed that the application lacked ecological enhancements, falling short of biodiversity policy requirements.
Permission was granted subject to submission and implementation of a biodiversity enhancement scheme before first use, to be maintained throughout the development’s lifespan.
Although situated within a mineral safeguarding area, officers concluded the minimal infilling would not deplete the mineral resource or cause harm.
The decision notice, corresponding to application 26/0044, confirms approval subject to conditions including adherence to approved plans and the biodiversity enhancement scheme.