Bexley Council's Planning Committee has deferred a decision on a proposal to install a Golf Pod
practice facility at Crook Log Sports Centre following concerns raised by residents and councillors regarding potential noise pollution.
The committee voted to defer the decision to allow for a site visit, enabling members to gain a better understanding of the potential noise impacts, particularly the acute
noise from golf ball strikes. Residents have voiced concerns that the proposed operating hours, until 9pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends, would exacerbate noise issues, with the repeated crack
of golf ball strikes potentially affecting children's sleep, study, and relaxation, and being clearly perceptible.
Residents, including Lauren Wilkin-Jones, described the noise levels as impulsive, high-intensity sounds that exceed 100 decibels at the point of strike. Councillor Andrew Curtois also highlighted concerns about noise, light pollution, and the impact on residential amenity, noting that the proposed facility is designed for dedicated leisure environments and not established residential neighbourhoods.
The proposed Golf Pod bays are to be 4.2 meters tall, 6.5 meters deep, and 32 meters wide. The accompanying netting would extend 30 meters deep, 32 meters wide, and reach 16.8 meters tall at its apex. These covered bays are planned to be constructed from aluminum sheeting painted dark blue and white, with the netting made of black twisted polyethylene lightweight fine mesh. The specific dimensions and construction materials of the pods themselves, and their direct contribution to noise mitigation, were not detailed in the provided information.
While council officers presented acoustic and lighting assessments indicating compliance, committee members felt a site visit was necessary to fully assess the potential impact. A condition was added requiring a noise management plan. The full details of the proposal can be found in the Public reports pack.
