THE fate of controversial plans for more than 70 houses and upgraded facilities at an historic golf club will be decided on Tuesday.
Dunbar Golf Club and Cala Management Ltd have teamed up for the project, which would not only see 78 homes created but also a new clubhouse, driving range, short course and practice area.
East Lothian Council’s planning committee will decide the future of the plans, which have attracted considerable opposition from members of the public.
Fifty-three letters of objection were sent to the local authority, while Dunbar Community Council and neighbouring West Barns Community Council also highlighted concerns.
Developers have split the proposals, which are recommended for approval by council planners, in two.
The first phase would see the construction of the clubhouse, golf academy, practice area, nine-hole short course and driving range – along with 60 new homes – to the south of the site, towards Deer Park Cemetery.
The remaining 18 homes would be created in the second phase on land which includes the location of the current clubhouse.
Among those deciding on the multi-million-project will be Dunbar and East Linton ward councillors Norman Hampshire, who is convener of the planning committee, and Donna Collins.
The ward’s third councillor, Lyn Jardine, is not a member of the planning committee.
She told the Courier that there were many people in the community who were supportive, while many were also against the proposals.
Concerns from members of the public included the lack of affordable housing, as well as the “harmful impact on the visual character and amenity of the area”.
Further concerns included the increase in traffic and that there was “no demand” for new golfing facilities.
When the plans were revealed in August last year, Jacky Montgomery, PGA director of golf at Dunbar Golf Club, said: “Having these exciting new facilities will not only be a major benefit for our members and visitors, but it opens up significant opportunities for local people to get involved in golf and to enjoy the many health and wellbeing aspects of participating in the sport.
“From the driving range and academy, through to the short game practice area and the par-three golf course, we are breaking down barriers into the game.
“It will also give us much greater scope to further develop the work we do with our local schools and community groups.”
Discussions surrounding development at the golf club, which dates back to 1856, have been ongoing for more than a decade.
Previously plans included the creation of a hotel, which will not now happen.
Planning permission in principle for the development was initially granted seven years ago. The proposals have since been reviewed following a joint consultation held by Dunbar Golf Club and CALA Homes (East) in 2019, when the hotel was removed from the plans.
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