Plans submitted for flats at Williamwood Golf Club to generate ‘much-needed revenue’

Williamwood Golf Club has submitted a planning application to build 14 flats in a move the generate “much-needed revenue”.
Williamwood Golf Club is looking at ways of attracting new members and increasing income.Williamwood Golf Club is looking at ways of attracting new members and increasing income.
Williamwood Golf Club is looking at ways of attracting new members and increasing income.

The application, submitted this week to East Renfrewshire Council, seeks permission for a residential flatted development, plus parking, the formation of a new vehicular access and ancillary works at Williamwood Golf Club in Clarkston.

It’s accompanied by a report which highlights some of the difficulties currently faced by the golf club and indicates that without interventions and changes the club “may become unsustainable”.

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The report, compiled by Glasgow-based North Planning and Development, on behalf of Williamwood Golf Club and housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel Homes Ltd, states that while the site of the proposed residential development is part of the grounds of the golf club, it is unused and not part of the course.

The report emphasises that the development “does not in any way compromise the integrity or quality of the golf course”.

It goes on to say that the development would generate much-needed funds which could be used to make improvements to the course and golf club, benefiting existing members and hopefully attract new members, helping ensure the club is sustainable over the longer term.

The golf club has suffered a drop in income, with membership falling consistently for 10 years.

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However, the golf club has set out a strategy which includes measures to increase the number of social/community members, stopping the decline in total membership. The aim is to create a more sustainable facility for the local population to access and use for a range of purposes.

Many golf clubs across the country have been struggling in recent years due to dwindling memberships.

In May this year, Eastwood Golf Club in Newton Mearns was forced to close after being declared bankrupt - read more here