100 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he will change the status of golf courses from exempt development; and, if not, the reasons therefor.

The laying out and use of land as a golf course or pitch-and-putt course, incorporating parking space for not less than 24 cars, is exempted development for planning purposes. This exemption is, however, subject to a number of limitations and would not apply if, inter alia, public safety would be endangered by reason of traffic hazard or if a view or prospect of special amenity value or interest whose preservation is an objective of the relevant development plan would be restricted. Planning permission is required for ancillary facilities such as club houses.

I have no proposals to alter the present position.