Golf balls have caused £20,000 in damage to historic listed building
There's been 31 incidents of golf balls striking the Spanish Barn since 2017, and it's now leaking
Last updated 30th Aug 2022
Greatest Hits Radio can reveal Torbay Council could have to fork out £20,000 because of the number of golf balls damaging a part of the 800 year old Torre Abbey.
The Spanish Barn underwent £12,500 repairs in 2017 as a result of previous damage and since then there's been 31 further incidents.
Torbay Council say the roof is now leaking of the Grade 1 listed building and they are struggling to rent it out.
The golf course, which has operated in the same location for 80 years, is a tenant of the council. It has previously tried to install netting, but the council voiced concerns in case the stakes being used damaged any buried archaeology underneath.
We have contacted the golf course to see what response it had to the Freedom of Information request. The council say a long-term review of the leisure provision on the Torre Abbey area of Torquay is underway - which would form the basis of any future recommendations.
Our freedom of information request reveals: "In 2017 the Spanish Barn roof was repaired due to the significant number of holes created by golf balls hitting it and breaking the slates.
"Since 2017 holes have continued to be created by the golf balls and to date now number at 31, some of these are double holes (two or more holes created very close together creating a larger opening).
"It is believed the double holes have been caused by the layout of the green and the direction of the players strokes.
"The number of holes in the roof is impacting on the ability to hire the Barn due to rain coming through, Torbay Council will therefore need to invest in the fixing of this in the near future. The cost of these repairs are estimated at approximately £20,000.
"Some damage to the Gatehouse windows has also been noted. There is no monitory value attributed to this as it is being repaired under the wider Gatehouse repairs planned for 2023.
"The tenant has previously inserted stakes into the ground below the 30cm level which is legally allowed due to the Scheduled Monument designation.
"On the occasions this has happened the tenant has been informed immediately and the stakes removed. Torbay Council has not investigated the potential damage caused by these stakes as to do so would further risk the sensitive below ground archaeology."