Councillors were advised by officers it would be a “significant” departure from the local development plan that was not justified, while the club’s captain said refusal would see the club continue for 15 months “at the absolute most”.

In partnership with Kilmac Ltd, Craigie Hill Golf Club submitted plans to reconfigure its course at Pickembere from 18 holes to nine. The proposal was for up to 175 homes to be built on the northern part of the course, remodelling the clubhouse to create a community hub, as well as creating bike trails, a pocket park, greenkeeping shed, padel/pétanque courts and golf practice areas.

The application received 212 letters of support and 107 objections.

Officers recommended councillors refuse the plans on the grounds: it was an  unjustified development on Perth’s green belt; the Transport Assessment did not consider the potential impacts of an Aldi store being built on Necessity Brae and “insufficient information” on tree loss.

The council’s own Development Plan Team, Transport Planning Team and Biodiversity Team all objected to the plans.

In a packed council chamber, club captain David Mitchell told councillors: “If refused, we have 15 months to run at the absolute most.”

He told councillors the club was haemorrhaging £25-30,000 a year and had been “fighting” against a decline for the past 20 years.

The captain told elected members the proposal being put before them would deliver a “net gain for Perth, continued employment for staff” and have a “minimal” impact on Perth’s green belt.

Club member and Kilmac co-founder Athole McDonald told councillors: “If we have to amputate an arm to save the body, that’s what we will do.”

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He told councillors the revamped course would make it “more accessible”.

Development director Derek Ross said the mapping system was “incorrect” and “no ancient woodland would be affected”. He also said the club sought a deferral on the council’s decision to allow time to address the concerns about the transport assessment “but it was refused”.

He added: “We have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on this project.”

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale asked if planning officers had not made it clear  the proposal of building housing on Perth’s green belt was contrary to planning policy, to which Derek responded: “Yes, they did.”

Among the concerns listed by the 107 objectors were: fears it will exacerbate existing flooding issues in the area; inappropriate use of land; light pollution; noise pollution; tree loss; houses being too close to the Aviva wind turbine; the development would be out of character, as well as concerns about the impact on traffic, parking and  existing services and infrastructure.

Perth Community Flood Aid members Janice Haig and Malcolm MacConnachie addressed the committee on behalf of local residents and objectors.

Malcolm – a retired senior hydrologist – said it was “no coincidence” there had been a recent increase in the number of flooding incidents in the area following several local developments including the Broxden Business Park and Charlotte Gate developments.

Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey moved the plans for approval saying the “current housing emergency dictated the need for housing” and that it would secure the long-term future of the historic club. Conservative councillor Hugh Anderson seconded.

SNP councillor Ian Massie – while sympathising with the club – moved for refusal. The Planning and Placemaking Committee convener said addressing the national housing emergency “cannot be development at any cost”.

He said it would undermine the “significant” time, effort and consultation involved in producing both local and national planning policies.

Cllr Massie added: “Local development plans are adopted after a lengthy, and costly process, involving wide consultations, with many stakeholders.

“If we approve this proposal contrary to our own Local Development Plan – and contrary to NPF4 – we are at risk of undermining public confidence in a plan led system. We also risk approving developments which lack the necessary associated infrastructure.

“To approve this proposal would risk sending out a message to other developers that they can opt out of the development planning process and simply come forward with ad hoc sites whenever the chance arises.”

However fellow SNP councillor Tom McEwan – who convenes the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee – voted to support the application saying it provided an opportunity “to think outside of the box” and help address the housing shortage.

Council leader Grant Laing –  who voted to refuse the application – said: “This is not about rescuing a business or a club. It’s simply a planning matter.”

PKC’s Major Applications and Enforcement team leader Sean Panton told councillors, his team would be willing to help the club explore alternatives.

He said: “We would be willing to work with Craigie Hill. There’s definitely scope for diversification of the site – just not housing.”

After almost four hours of lengthy discussion and deputations from both  objectors and the applicants, councillors voted by 26 votes to nine to refuse the application, with two abstentions.