Golf Course Redevelopment and Diversification: Securing Planning Permission
We have worked with a number of different golf courses and golf facilities over the years to secure planning permission for development that meets their long-term needs and, in some cases, secure their very existence. Some of our projects can be found here.
Golf remains one of the UK’s most popular participation sports, yet golf membership has seen a dramatic drop in numbers, which has resulted in many golf clubs being forced to close over recent years. There are many social and economic reasons for this drop-in numbers, however the outcome is that many golf clubs are having to adapt and diversify to secure their financial futures.
Golf Club Diversification Options in Planning
The diversification options available will vary between each golf club depending on the characteristics and culture of that club, the location in which it is located, site constraints, and any relevant planning policies affecting the site, but in general terms such options could include:
The creation of golf academies to provide bespoke golf training and develop a junior programme to encourage golf participation at an early age.
The creation of event space to be able to host weddings, conferences, parties, special events etc.
The development of hotel or holiday accommodation, such as, holiday cottages, glamping lodges or pods etc.
The development of a health and fitness centre to compliment the existing golf facilities.
The creation of adventure or crazy golf areas to attract families and encourage children to take up the sport.
Housing development, possibly to provide an additional income, or to act as enabling development to deliver one of the facilities mentioned above, or another development option.
With each of these options, the biggest hurdle will be trying to secure planning consent. In many cases, the golf courses may be subject to quite restrictive planning policies that in the first instance may try to resist development. However, with the right approach, it is often possible to put forward a case to successfully justify development.
It is important that the planning risks are assessed at an early stage to understand what development options may or may not be possible. This process will set out the constraints and opportunities for the site and will inform the planning strategy that will take the project forward.
Once this initial assessment has been undertaken, it is important to further develop and refine the proposals for the site and then engage with the local planning authority in pre-application discussions. Gaining support and guidance from the planners at this early stage is an important step in the planning process for a project of this type. Subject to the feedback gained from the planners at this stage, a planning application could then be submitted to the local planning authority.
How A D P Can Assist You
As experienced architectural designers and planning consultants, we are able to:
To undertake a planning appraisal of site of your site, assess potential development options, and put in place a planning and design strategy to take the project forward through the planning process.
Engage with the local planning authority through pre-application discussions.
Liaise and manage other technical third-party consultants.
Prepare the planning drawings and documents, submit and manage the planning application through all stages of the planning process.
If you are in the position of looking to develop golf course land and you would like to discuss this further, please contact us on either mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below.
