It would make use of a single-storey building on the industrial estate
A Kent MOT testing garage could become indoor golf simulator facility(Image: Google Street View)
An MOT test centre in Tunbridge Wells could become an indoor golf simulator facility if proposals are approved. An application has been submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
The golf simulator would make use of the existing single-storey commercial building, at Unit 3, which sits towards the front of Colebrook Industrial Estate on Longfield Road.
The estate has many different types of businesses, from kitchen suppliers and vehicle repair workshops, to trade supplies and a lawn treatment firm.
The Just MOT’s unit has two parking space and the building is in good condition, has a toilet, and a large open commercial space currently used as the garage. Only “very minor” alterations to the outside are needed, said architect AK Studios.
There will be two separate golf simulator bays within an insulated, acoustic enclosure, each with their own simulator screen and projector.
Customers must take their own golf clubs and gloves, although a few clubs might be available for use if needed, said the applicant. Architects’ drawings of the building’s signage suggest the facility will use golf simulator Trackman technology.
Golf simulator facility for Colebrook Industrial Estate in Tunbridge Wells(Image: AK Studios architecture and interiors)
It would be open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week including bank holidays. The golf facility will be operated on a self-service basis, with no permanent staff on site.
Customers would book their sessions online, and let themselves inside using a digital door entry systems. The applicant said three part-time staff would go in when no customers were there to clean, carry out routine maintenance and equipment checks.
Monitoring and security will be through CCTV throughout the facility. There will be no changing rooms, lockers, food preparation areas or cafe facilities. Customers must be aged 16 and above, and only six customers are allowed on site at a time.
“The simulator bays will normally operate independently, allowing two small groups of players to use the facility simultaneously. A central roller shutter partition will allow the two bays to be opened into one larger space where a single group books the entire facility,” said AK Studios.
Proposed front elevation of the indoor golf simulator facility in Tunbridge Wells (Image: AK Studios)
It said High Brooms Railway Station is one mile away and added this about parking: “The site benefits from two existing parking spaces immediately outside the premises.
“Given that bookings are controlled and occupancy is limited to a maximum of six people, the existing parking provision is considered adequate for the proposed use.”
“The unit is located within an established commercial area with good access to the local highway network and is within walking distance of High Brooms railway station, providing sustainable transport options for visitors.”
The application is nothing to do with Mr Clutch Tunbridge Wells which is at Unit 1 and 2.
The applicant’s name has not been given in planning papers. The owner of the site is given as Daejan Investments Limited. No date has been set yet for when this application will be decided.