Golf club bid to 'fix eyesore' parking problems

Developers behind a plan to revamp a golf club have said part of its proposals would solve "eyesore" parking problems at a popular beauty spot.

Cotswold Hub Ltd's bid to redevelop part of Cleeve Hill Golf Club in Gloucestershire was approved on 17 February and includes a new clubhouse and a larger car park.

Tewkesbury Borough councillors raised concerns the narrow lane which connects the B4632 and the golf club's clubhouse has verges which are "just mud piles".

Councillor Mel Gore said in the council meeting: "I can only see it getting worse."

John Hinnett, a planning consultant speaking on behalf of the applicant, said extending the car park will help resolve the current "eyesore" parking problem along the lane and verges, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

He added the scheme was the culmination of several years' work since the Cotswold Hub saved the 135-year-old golf club from closure in 2021 by taking on its lease.

The course is part of Cleeve Hill, a beauty spot which is also the highest point of Gloucestershire at 1,083ft (330m).

Speaking in the meeting, Gore said: "There are already verges that are just mud piles at the moment.

"I can only see it getting worse. We need to ensure there is some more parking provided other than the other Cleeve Hill parking separate to the golf club."

Hinnett said: "Once completed, the golf club will offer a modern fit-for-purpose first-class new golfing facility.

"But it would provide wider amenities for the whole community such as a new restaurant, café where cyclists, walkers and riders can meet up and enjoy Cleeve Hill."

The plans also include a wider access road off the B4632, new changing rooms, toilets and a pro golf shop.

The council's planning committee unanimously approved the bid.

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