And finally… neighbours sink garden putting green plan

And finally... neighbours sink garden putting green plan

A golf enthusiast has scrapped plans to install a putting green in his front garden following complaints from neighbours.

David Harris had already tumbled thousands into the Devonshire Road development when other residents reported it to Aberdeen City Council.

Plans to help him with his favourite pastime soon fell through when inspectors arrived to inspect his garden, which has resembled a construction site for a good year now.



In addition to the problematic practice site, work had also started on a driveway, which infuriated the neighbours, the Press & Journal reports.

Moira Keay wrote to the local authority to express fears that “further golf-related developments” could emerge in the West End if the plans were approved.

She said: “I don’t know if a permit is required to remodel your own garden and create a lawn that may have holes in it.

“But I feel that this should not be officially allowed as a ‘putting green’, which could lead to further golf-related developments.”



David Ord added: “I don’t think the artificial turf putting green suits the spirit and style of this reserve either.”

Kevin Parker said: “The vast majority of the gardens along the Devonshire Road are well manicured with plants and grass and are home to insects and other small creatures – just what a garden should be, not a tacky plastic putting green.”

David Harris has been running Bonnie Wee Golf for around 20 years, offering ‘luxury’ tours of Scotland’s golf courses to fanatics from far and wide.

He started work after buying the house a few years ago, but had to file for planning permission retrospectively in September.



The motion came before the council’s planning committee on Thursday.

Mr Harris told the meeting he started work and spent £7,000 after receiving bad advice from Town House officials.

Members later heard that following local backlash, the golf plans have now been abandoned.

Mr Harris was also forced to scrap plans for a new driveway and electric vehicle charging station on his garden property.



Many neighbours withdrew their objections after the changes.

But proposals to add new windows, garden walls and artificial turf were approved by councillors.


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