New golf club and a new housing estate approved despite wildlife concerns

A golf club in neighbouring Middleton is set to get a new clubhouse and build 56 homes where the old one currently stands.

North Manchester Golf Club has been given permission to bulldoze its current clubhouse, pro shop, function room and greenkeepers store.

A new clubhouse with ‘four attractive arches’ would be rebuilt closer to the first tee.

A reception; pro-shop; members’ bar; and snooker room would all be created over three floors. 

An event room with views overlooking the lake, up to the first tee and down the fairway will also be built. 

When the old clubhouse gets demolished, joint developers Duchy Homes would build the 56 homes in its place.

The 2.7 hectare site off Manchester Old Road would be a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes with off-street parking and areas of open green space.

A larger scale version of the plan was rejected by the planning committee in 2019 due to the impact on the green corridor where the golf course sits.

This time, objectors and ward councillors raised their concerns for the green space yet again.

Coun Peter Williams and Coun June West both voiced concerns for the wildlife living in the area and how they would be harmed by this application.

Objector Hilary Murray, who lives on Manchester Old Road, added that an old dump nearby may have contaminated the ground where the building work would take place.

Council planning officers highlighted this has been looked at and said experts will look into this as part of the planning conditions. 

Chair of North Manchester Golf Club, Nick O’Toole told the planning committee meeting this project would retain the club’s 130-year legacy.

He explained that the current clubhouse is not fit for purpose and has fallen into disrepair.

Mr O’Toole added: “This will ensure the club remains a valuable part of the community for the future generations.”

Councillors on the planning committee, meeting on January 30, approved the application unanimously.

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