{"id":134884,"date":"2025-09-11T09:29:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:29:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/134884\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T09:29:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:29:14","slug":"housing-development-refusal-puts-future-of-golf-club-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/134884\/","title":{"rendered":"Housing development refusal puts future of golf club \u2018at risk\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Housing<\/p>\n

A long-established Perth golf club faces potential closure after councillors rejected its joint bid with contractor Kilmac Ltd to deliver a major mixed-use development.<\/p>\n

Craigie Hill Golf Club had submitted a proposal<\/a> to downsize its 18-hole course to nine holes and release land for up to 175 new homes. The scheme also included a remodelling of the clubhouse into a community hub, new sports and leisure facilities, bike trails, and public green space.<\/p>\n

Despite backing from more than 200 supporters, Perth and Kinross councillors voted 26\u20139 against the application, following advice from planning officers that the scheme represented a \u201csignificant departure\u201d from the local development plan and would encroach on designated green belt.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The project was designed as a survival plan for the club, which has been operating at a loss of \u00a325,000\u2013\u00a330,000 per year. Club captain David Mitchell told councillors the rejection left the club with \u201c15 months at the absolute most\u201d before closure.<\/p>\n

Kilmac co-founder and club member Athole McDonald said the housing element was vital to safeguard the golf facility, jobs, and investment in community amenities:\u00a0\u201cIf we have to amputate an arm to save the body, that\u2019s what we will do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Development director Derek Ross added that no ancient woodland would be affected, and highlighted that \u201chundreds of thousands of pounds\u201d had already been invested in planning work.<\/p>\n

While the application attracted strong local support, it also drew 107 objections, alongside formal opposition from the council\u2019s development plan, transport, and biodiversity teams.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale pressed the applicant on whether officers had warned that the project was contrary to green belt policy. Ross acknowledged they had. A request to defer the decision to address transport issues was also rejected.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

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