Calderdale golf club refused permission to fell tree despite warning over its future
A Calderdale golf club has been told they cannot fell a tree they say shade from which has caused a green to become unusable.
Castlefields Golf Club at Rastrick had warned the green becoming unusable might put the club’s future at risk.
But Calderdale Council planners have refused consent to fell the Horse Chestnut tree, which is subject to a tree preservation order (TPO).
In the application, the club, which is at Rastrick Common, said they made a similar application in 2024 but permission was not given on that occasion either.
This was despite a report from consultants STRI into course conditions and agronomic management which said some trees were causing “extreme shade” to some of the golf course’s greens which were having a detrimental effect on their growth and condition.
In the case of the green affected relating to this application – a photograph of which was included with the supporting papers – a serious problem has arisen, and might have repercussions, said the club.
“Since then the condition of the green has deteriorated to the extent that it is no longer usable.
“This poses a very serious risk to the sustainability of the golf club which needs six greens to maintain it’s status as an officially recognised club – there is no suitable alternative location for a new green,” argued the application.
The club said they would plant a replacement tree which will grow to a smaller height, for example a Rowan, if the application was granted.