| 6. POLICY GUIDANCE ON GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT LOCATION 6.1 In seeking sites for golf course development the following factors need to be given consideration: - positive environmental benefits can be achieved by utilising derelict land of no ecological importance or other land requiring major environmental improvements; - the proposed development will not have an adverse environmental impact as a result of the loss of good quality agricultural land and the land is not currently used for agriculture or is of Agricultural value (as defined in Appendix B); - development should not adversely affect areas of conservation value or which are already or are likely candidates for scheduled areas or designated as Areas of Ecological Importance (e.g. garrigue), Sites of Scientific Importance, Areas of Scenic Value or Areas of Archaeological Importance as indicated in the Structure Plan Key Diagram. Proposals in areas which may affect sensitive areas will be subject to the most rigorous and critical examination to assess the likelihood of impact and change; - for an 18 hole golf course 120 - 150 acres (48.5 - 60 hectares) of land are required. Another 60 acres (25 hectares) will be required for expansion to a 27 hole golf course. The upper limit applies where steep slopes, wetlands, wooded areas or rock have to be avoided. The lower limit is adequate on flatter sites; - the area can be supplied with the necessary infrastructure with no detriment to existing serviced properties and without interference to the natural environment and visual amenities. Disposal of water or sewage and the use of any pesticides or fertilizers should not contaminate or pollute natural water systems; - the aquifer protection zones should not be adversely affected; - the need for the movement of material and soil would be limited; - suitable vehicle access to the site exists or can be provided without any significant adverse environmental and social impacts; - the shape of the land area is also important. If the sub-division of land is such that it leaves a number of odd shapes this may pose some problem; - the proposed development should bring about significant environmental enhancement or other planning gain to the area; - the setting of the site is important as regards the marketability of the golf course and should have good access to the main holiday centres; - areas having slopes of 1 in 10 are golfable sideways. Steeper slopes need special treatment. A continuous series of steep slopes may rule out the site; - clay sites are not preferred and a badly drained clay site will produce poor playing conditions unless considerable extra money is spent. Good drainage is vital for heavily used courses and for leaching out salt accumulation where the irrigation water is suspect. Clay slopes are unacceptable on environmental grounds; - any existing rights of way on areas proposed should be accommodated either by being retained or ensuring appropriate and acceptable diversion to improve their amenity value and usefulness. SIZE 6.2 Subject to potential sites being identified, and are acceptable in principle, on the basis of the site selection criteria set, any golf course proposal should be for an 18 - hole golf course, with the possibility of expansion to 27 holes. Such a development will initially be limited to one course. The scale of land take should be adequate to allow for the development of the golf course without significant impact through a cramped and inappropriate appearance. To be in a position to compete with other emerging golf destinations, a quality course of 18 holes (with expansion capability to 27 holes, to allow for different playing permutations) is preferred. It should include practice/teaching areas and a golf range. It should provide good walking (and buggy pulling) routes for casual and elderly golfers. It will be principally designed for a wide spectrum of amateurs from the keen regular golfer to the beginners. However, the course should be capable of accommodating some form of championship golf which could be important in Malta's tourism marketing. The course must be designed to minimise water consumption and demands on top soil for fairways, greens and tees. Facilities ancillary to a golf course should include a 'country club' style centre with the following facilities: - an office for staff; - a bar and restaurant; and, - tennis, squash and a swimming pool. This should not include any form of accommodation facilities. The management philosophy of the course must be that of 'pay and play' for all comers and it must be open to tourists, local residents, experts and novices alike. |
| Isn't this enough not to give out any permissions for the development of the Golf Course at tal-Virtu' ? |
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