The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Big guns back ‘positive’ Carnoustie golf centre
SPORT: Support for £4.75m extension plan which has divided opinion in the town
Renowned golfing organisations have become embroiled in a controversial development at Carnoustie Links.
The R&A and the Professional Golfers’ Association have both given their support to £4.75 million plans to extend the golf centre at the venue.
The planning application, which has split opinion in the town, comes back before Angus councillors today.
The letter from the R&A, which organises the Open Championship, says other Open venues have been improving their facilities.
It states: “It is encouraging that Carnoustie is looking to the future in this way.”
The PGA said that Carnoustie would be “significantly enhanced” by the development.
The R&A and the PGA have backed plans to extend the golf centre at Carnoustie Links .
A meeting on Tuesday will consider granting permission for revised plans for the extension.
With feelings riding high in the town about the development, Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee has gained the support of major golfing institutions.
A letter from R&A executive director of championships Johnnie ColeHamilton says: “Many of the Open Championship venues are investing in their infrastructure to meet the requirements of hosting a modern Open, and it is very encouraging that Carnoustie is looking to the future in this way.”
Shona Malcolm, secretary of the PGA in Scotland, said: “There is no doubt that improved facilities within the golf centre will contribute positively to the experience of visitors to the Open Championship venue and local season ticket holders, while providing a hub for local residents.”
Ms Malcolm also praised the introduction of improved practice and warm up facilities, including simulator bays.
There have also been messages of support from the championship director of the Senior Open Championship, as well as Nairn Golf Club and Kingsbarns Golf Links.
Among the concerns are the impact that the development would have on existing bars and restaurants in the town, though there is a letter of support from Carnoustie Golf Hotel, which is adjacent to the links.
Other comments state that the plans are contrary to the development plan, that the design of the extension does not fit with the low level nature of the original building, that the development has not been justified by the applicant and that it is not required to retain the Open.
The report for councillors by head of planning and place Vivien Smith recommends granting conditional approval to the plans.
It states: “The design and scale of the extension is acceptable for the location and it will improve the range and quality of facilities associated with the golf course for tourists and local residents.
“The development will bring economic and tourism benefits to Angus as it will further assist in securing Carnoustie as a venue for major golf tournaments.”
The ground floor of the extension would have a new entrance and accommodate a golf simulator, members’ golf bag storage area, temporary bag drop area, caddies area and the caddymaster’s office, the pro-shop store and a delivery area.
The first floor would feature a bar and a café/restaurant with a private dining room, a function/TV room, kitchen preparation areas and stores, a changing room, meeting rooms and offices and external terrace areas.
The external service yard located at the south-east corner of the building would be relocated to the south-west corner and a new access road and pedestrian access paths will be created. rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk