The former Phoenix Golf Driving Range in Brinsworth is set to be redeveloped after plans for a major electricity infrastructure project were approved by Rotherham Council
The approved development will see the former leisure site transformed into a synchronous condenser facility, including machine buildings, a 275kV switchgear compound with ancillary infrastructure, together with associated works including new access roads, landscaping, drainage, internal drives and a cable connection to Templeborough Substation.
The floodlit driving range, once a popular destination for golfers from across Rotherham and South Yorkshire, has remained vacant since its closure. The redevelopment marks a significant change in the use of the site, replacing a former leisure attraction with infrastructure designed to support the UK’s electricity transmission network.
According to planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant, the 1.43-hectare development will provide essential grid stability services by supplying and absorbing reactive power while also providing synchronous inertia. These services help maintain a stable electricity network as increasing amounts of renewable energy are connected to the National Grid.
The facility will include a 14.8-metre-high synchronous condenser building, electrical infrastructure, transformers, cooling and ventilation equipment, a relay and control room, internal switchgear and a welfare building. A new vehicular access will be created from Grange Lane, alongside internal access roads, parking areas and security fencing.
Although some existing trees will be removed to facilitate construction and site regrading, the plans include a comprehensive landscaping scheme featuring native tree planting, an attenuation basin and ecological enhancements intended to help screen the development and improve biodiversity.
The application was referred to Rotherham Council’s Planning Board after five individual household objections were received, alongside a petition signed by nine people.
Residents objecting to the scheme raised concerns over a potential increase in HGV traffic, highway safety, construction noise and disruption, air pollution, and the cumulative impact of further industrial development in the area. They also questioned the accuracy of the traffic information submitted with the application and whether the proposed traffic management measures would be sufficient, calling for stricter controls and enforcement to protect nearby residents and the local road network.
Following consideration of the planning officer’s report, consultation responses and the objections received, members of the Planning Board voted to approve the application.
