Bypass Update February 2004

The seemingly never-ending saga of the bypass continues. The recent public meeting in Alderley exposed the fears of some that the chosen scheme design, going under the railway at Welch Row, could attract such significant risks to the operation of the West Coast mainline, that this could put the whole project in doubt. It will not be until the Public Enquiry is held later this year, and the subsequent decision, that we will know.
What is important is that our Golf Club continues to prepare and plan for the distinct possibility of a highway being constructed close to our land.
Nothing in terms of the road proposals has fundamentally changed as far as we're concerned. Our hydrologist, Michael Lambert, has conducted a preliminary review of the bypass drainage proposals, and has made an initial assessment of the outline plans and water discharge projections. At this stage he detects no serious concern with the plans, but awaits final detailed engineering plans before a final analysis can be made. It should be noted that the Environment Agency have laid down very strict conditions relating to the road construction and its hydrological impact on Whitehall Brook and the associated flood plain. Fundamentally, they will not accept anything that results in an increased flow of surface water into the brook. Whilst this is reassuring, we need to satisfy ourselves that there will be no detrimental impact on the drainage and hence the playability of the course.

Cheshire County Council have designed the southern end of the highway taking account of the concerns we have over noise and visual impact, and we have made further requests for noise and visual mitigation measures. Very significant mounding as the road approaches the 5th will mean we’ll only see the top of the tallest articulated lorries from the lower fairway. Other measures, including acoustic screening, and planting of a 10 metre wide band of trees along the fence by the 6th and 7th holes are other major mitigation measures. We have made a proposal for the transfer of title in this strip of land to the club. A plan showing the mitigation measures has been on display on the notice board adjacent to the bar for some months.

The Development Committee has been perusing specific on-course mitigation measures with CCC. We have been trying to get advance funding for tree planting on the course, to reduce the visual impact of the road, but to no avail. It should be noted that CCC, whilst they have indicated they will help us, currently have no funds available until the scheme is approved. We decided it is in our best interests for the club to purchase around £1,000 worth of trees to plant up the left of 5th fairway [alongside the white posts to the left of the fairway] and between the 5th and 6th holes where there is an elevated view down to the proposed road, to create a denser screen of indigenous vegetation. Unfortunately it appears this work can’t now be undertaken this winter due to other Greens commitments.

We will take the advice of our consultant, Stuart Beesley, regarding our stance in relation to the Public Enquiry, and in all other key issues. The current expectation is that if approved, the construction would start in Spring / early Summer 2005 and be completed in 2007. CCC is aware that it is the club’s centenary is in 2007, and we will be seeking to ensure there is little or no adverse impact during this milestone year for AEGC.
All consultants’ fees are being reclaimed from CCC, hence there is no cost to the Club. With the expert advice we have, the Club is confident that it will achieve our objectives in relation to the bypass, should it finally be constructed.

Jerry Dixon – Development Committee Chairman