Housing plans at Williamwood Golf Club set to be rejected

More than 40 objections to the proposal have been submitted to East Renfrewshire Council.

They claim the development would be detrimental to the area’s character, take away green space and overshadow other properties.

However 19 letters of support were submitted, arguing the plan will provide funds to improve facilities at the club and won’t affect the course.

Councillors are recommended to refuse the application as the block of flats “would detract from the spacious and open character of the area”.

Applicants Williamwood Golf Club and Mactaggart and Mickel Homes Ltd want to erect a five-storey block and 30 car parking spaces on the site at Clarkston Road.

“The applicant has provided a statement that outlines the challenges facing the golf club in terms of declining membership and revenue,” a planning report states.

“It has been indicated that the funds to be raised through the sale of the application site will allow investment in: multi-use function areas; permanent indoor practice studios; improved/expanded kitchen facilities; junior room; café/bar area; gym/fitness studio; course accessibility improvements; and course improvements to allow playability and sustainability for all golfing levels. 

“It should however be noted that a detailed financial appraisal was not submitted with this planning application and in particular detailing why 14 flats is the amount required to generate the funds to carry out the aforementioned indicated improvements.”

The report adds that the flats would be “a significant and dominant presence on the streetscape”. 

“The proposed block would detract from the spacious and open character of the area irrespective of any architectural merits the block may have.”

Sport Scotland said it had no objection to the plan as long as a scheme was introduced to “minimise the risk of golf balls going beyond the golf course area”.

The applicant confirmed the development would not affect the functioning of the course and said Sport Scotland’s suggested condition would not be necessary.

However, if the scheme is approved, the council believes the condition would be required.