This project was undertaken whilst at Johns Associates Ltd.

JA were commissioned to undertake a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and develop a Landscape & Ecological Strategy Plan to inform proposals to accompany a planning application for the development of a sustainable water supply system to irrigate the golf course, principally comprising a new water storage pond, and an improved driving range facility at the Site.

Hockley Golf Club, including the Site, lies within the South Downs National Park, approximately 700m from the western boundary of the National Park and is located just to the south of the City of Winchester and north of Twyford Village on the B3335.

Work on the planning stage information started in 2022 with the Planning Application submitted in May 2023. The development was refused by South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) at a planning committee in December 2024. The client subsequently appealed against the decision and was granted a Planning Hearing in November 2025 with approval granted on 15th December 2025.

Initially, JA were appointed to review and respond to comments raised by the SDNPA regarding potential effects on landscape character and visual amenity associated with a larger proposal submitted for pre application.

The revised proposals sought to realise the site’s potential and to achieve a ‘best fit’ in landscape and ecological terms. Despite the reduced scope and comprehensive landscape and ecological strategy that was developed to support the planning application (informed by the LVIA undertaken), the application was refused.

Jason acted as expert witness in respect of the landscape and visual impact objections presented by SDNPA.

This was a challenging project located within a sensitive site within the South Downs National Park, requiring full coordination in terms of planning, archaeology, ecology, hydrology, and arboriculture.

Client: Hockley Golf Club

KC: Matthew Reed (Landmark Chambers)

Ecology: ECOSA / Johns Associates Ltd

Planning: Inert Recycling UK Ltd

Landscape: Johns Associates Ltd

Heritage: Wessex Archaeology

Hydrology: HK Hydrology / H2O GEO

Arboriculture: Barrell Consultancy