Holiday homes plan for former Kyngs golf course
A TASTE of the Algarve could be coming to the borough thanks to ambitious plans to create a golfing holiday haven.
Businessman George Denny wants to transform the former Kyngs course in Market Bosworth into a sports and leisure hub, retaining the existing 18 hole run and building vacation homes along its edge.
A planning application has been submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council outlining the proposals which comprise a new clubhouse with function hall, pro-golf shop, offices and staff accommodation, a driving range simulator, golf buggy garage, parking for 232 vehicles and 15 cottages, all under the banner of Market Bosworth Golf, Leisure and Country Club.
The project comes just over a year since Kyngs was put on the market for almost £1 million. Originally founded by ex-PGA professonial, Nick Leatherland, the course took seven years to construct and was completed in 2011.
Mr Leatherland himself had grand designs on establishing the 127-acre site as a destination attraction and when the course went to market it included details of the enhancements he’d envisaged - all with planning permission.
These centred on an exclusive and modern clubhouse, with verandas and patios overlooking the course, a toning and relaxation suite, virtual reality indoor golf clinic, luxurious lounge, bar and catering facilities as well as reception and management area, changing rooms, pro-shop and caddy masters office.
The relaxation suite was described as having scope for a specialist gym, steam room, spa and solarium as well as a foot spa station which would revitalise tired feet after a session on the course.
A private boardroom and helicopter landing pad were pencilled in along with an assurance the local planning authority would look favourably on any extension to provide a 30 to 40 bedroom destination hotel.
Mr Leatherland’s dream was defeated by a downturn in economic fortune amid a decline in golf participation and after being sold the course was closed in September 2016.
The new scheme, being broadly similar, could resurrect his ideals.
Currently the site includes a brick and tile barn, purpose-built greenkeeping shed and a temporary clubhouse.
Mr Denny’s submission involves keeping the 18-hole (par 70) golf course with its fairways and greens but closing the nine hole practice course.
The new wood-clad recreational hall with bar, communal areas, washrooms, offices and staff space would be set to the north side of the existing large pond, overlooking the 18th hole and both the first and 18th golfing fairways.
The holidays homes ring the course to the west on part of the original car park and close to the boundary of the nine hole course.
Access would be retained from Station Road.