The ongoing redevelopment at Cleeve Hill Golf Club promises to resolve a persistent parking eyesore at this cherished Cotswold beauty spot, according to developers.
Cotswold Hub Ltd has received planning approval for a comprehensive upgrade that includes a new clubhouse, restaurant, enlarged car park, expanded access road, and sheltered outdoor seating. Additional facilities such as modern changing rooms, updated toilets, and a professional golf shop are also part of the project.
The plans were reviewed by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s planning committee, as the council owns the site but has leased it to Cotswold Hub for 125 years. Nearby, the company also owns the former Malvern View care home, where permission was recently granted to convert the building into a rural hotel to support the golf club.
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John Hinnett, planning consultant for the applicant, highlighted that the project represents years of dedicated work since Cotswold Hub took over the lease in 2021. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to responsible stewardship, noting they have not profited from the club since leasing it. Instead, all earnings have been reinvested into club operations.
According to Hinnett, the plans have garnered positive feedback and have faced no objections from technical consultees. Collaboration with the Cotswold National Landscape has led to measures addressing concerns such as light spillage from windows, with the authority raising no objections to the design.
Once completed, the golf club will feature first-class, modern facilities not only for golfers but also broader community use. The new restaurant and café aim to serve local cyclists, walkers, and riders who frequent Cleeve Hill, fulfilling Cotswold Hub’s vision of creating a welcoming community hub in line with council ambitions.
Environmental improvements include replacing all dead or diseased trees along Wickfield Lane with a native species hedge. The expanded car park will also alleviate ongoing problems with unsightly roadside parking along the lane and verges.
Councillor Mel Gore expressed concerns about visitor parking during construction, emphasizing the need to prevent further deterioration of verges already turning to mud. Cllr Mary Jordan questioned the industrial aesthetic of the roofing and noted the absence of solar panels, but officers confirmed provisions exist for future solar panel and battery installations.
Councillor Jim Mason welcomed the development, noting the new building’s lower height would reduce landscape impact compared to the 1920s structure it replaces. He described the project as long overdue, citing the old building’s inefficiency.
Ultimately, the planning committee unanimously approved the redevelopment, paving the way for a revitalized Cleeve Hill Golf Club that balances modern amenities with conservation and community needs.