Major changes proposed for another Yorkshire golf club

A Yorkshire golf club has secured planning permission to carry out major changes including the development of housing and the construction of a hotel and leisure facilities.

On April 3 Bawtry Golf Club in Doncaster got the nod for improved golf course facilities, including a pro shop and changing suite, a new car park driving range and sports bar and an academy zone / centre of excellence.

Most eye-catchingly, the development will include a new hotel and an adjoining conference venue, reception, health and fitness suite, and a bar and family dining restaurant plus the construction of 18 houses.

The approval comes just days after another Yorkshire golf club, Cottingham Parks Golf and Leisure Club, submitted a planning application of its own that includes a 70-bedroom hotel, an extension to the existing clubhouse, leisure facilities and the construction of 152 retirement dwellings plus communal areas and a bowling green.

Golf club wants to build 152 retirement properties

Bawtry Golf Club is a 7,000 yard, 18-hole golf course established in 1974. According to Visit Doncaster it was acquired by a new owner in 2015 and has seen course improvements since. It currently has a membership of 294 but this has been declining over the past ten years from a high of 400.

Saul Construction, on behalf of Burntwood, submitted a hybrid application to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council in April 2017 for a series of developments at the course.

The scheme aims to redevelop the existing facilities and introduce new elements to the business to ensure the future of the venue.

A report prepared for Doncaster Council’s planning committee said: “It is recognised that the construction of 18 dwellings in the countryside is contrary to the development plan, would result in harm by reason of inappropriateness, encroachment into the countryside and some visual harm.

“Balanced against the harm… the proposal would develop the existing golf enterprise to provide a state of the art, architecturally impressive building. The design of the proposed buildings weighs in favour of the application carrying significant weight.”