SLR’s planning success: the progress of Dundonald Links luxury golf resort

Having managed the Planning application, SLR takes a look at the progress of ‘Dundonald Links,’ a luxury golf resort in Scotland, which was granted planning consent in December 2019.

North Ayrshire Council’s Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the re-organisation and upgrade of Dundonald Links Golf Course in Irvine, to include the construction of a new golf clubhouse and the provision of accommodation in the form of 97 holiday lodges (comprising 124 units) and associated facilities, in December 2019.

Dundonald Links Golf Course is a significant site designed by Kyle Philips, and has hosted a number of golfing tournaments over the years, including the European Tour Qualifying School, Senior Opening Qualifying, the Boys Amateur Championship, welcoming the world’s best female golfers for the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open in 2015 and 2016, and The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in 2017.

Various proposals for a replacement Golf Clubhouse had been advanced over the past 18 years, however, none had been economically viable to deliver the business’ operational objectives.

SLR’s client, Darwin Leisure Development Fund, acquired the site with a vision to help transform it into a luxury golf resort which will be operated by Darwin Escapes, a fast-growing high-quality luxury holiday brand. A comprehensive planning application was therefore prepared and managed by SLR on behalf of Darwin, for a new high quality, contemporary ‘landmark’ Golf Clubhouse, and the provision of a complementary accommodation package in the form of high specification holiday lodges, catering for a wide range of guests. This proposal was very well-received by the public, with the lodge accommodation being considered much more sensitive and appropriate to the site’s use as a golf course, replacing the current residential planning permission.

The approval of planning consent by North Ayrshire Council has opened the door to help diversify the site’s existing service offer, transforming it into a high-quality golfing destination with facilities and overnight accommodation which is fit for purpose and will benefit the local area, and, creating a great platform for future golfing events.

The re-development of this site is set to reinforce and deliver a golf resort which is aligned with identifiable local landscape characteristics, reflecting the site’s coastal setting and natural qualities. The development is also anticipated to provide the catalyst for positive transformative effects upon the surrounding area, as well as providing an important facility for the local community.

Development began last year, however progress had to halt due to Covid-19 restrictions. Despite this set back, it is great to see development commence again, with the clubhouse and a selection of lodges set to open by Winter 2021. A further application for new signage to reflect the new branding was also consented this month and managed by SLR, and was greatly received by North Ayrshire Council.

Elle Cass, Lead Technical Director for Built Environment Planning at SLR, who managed the planning application, commented:

“SLR was delighted to have supported this project to secure the long-term future of Dundonald Links Golf Course. Since the discharge of condition work which commenced last year, Darwin has advanced the site to help finally deliver the original permission objectives of a new golf Clubhouse. The site is still under construction, however, is making fantastic progress just over a year on, and it is hoped to open by Winter 2021. It is promising to see Darwin, a UK company, very much committed to delivering this site, despite the knock back on construction progress, as a result on Covid-19. It will be a real asset to the local Community.”

Please visit https://dundonaldlinks.com/golf/ for further updates regarding booking or visiting.

For further information regarding this application, or regarding our planning services, please get in touch.