A GOLF club has failed in its bid to seek permission for upgrades to safeguard its future for years to come.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council by Warrington Golf Club for a rear single-storey extension and terrace extension.

This would see the installation of two golf simulators, creating two full-time jobs, and allow for larger social events to be accommodated.

This is part of a wider plan to develop the club to ‘provide a sustainable business plan for the future’.

But planners have refused permission for the site, on London Road in Appleton, raising concerns over the impact on the green belt.

Planning document state: “As with all golf clubs, there is a great deal of pressure on costs, and they are all looking for ways to secure budgets year on year.

“The weather last year had a significant effect on the income of the golf club, with the closure of the course due to weather conditions, reducing the green fees taken and the associated trade in the club house.

“Many local golf clubs have built indoor facilities to allow members and guests to practice golf during periods of adverse weather, which unfortunately we can expect more of due to climate change.

“The club of course wishes to match the facilities to keep its membership, without which the club would cease to function.

“If golf simulators were installed, professionals at the club would be able to provide members and guests with lessons in comfortable conditions through the winter, generating much needed income.

“As a club, it needs to keep up with modern technology to attract and keep members, especially junior members, who will be the future of the club.”

An expansion to the terrace would allow for larger social events to be accommodated, as well as providing more space for visitors to eat and drink outside.

“This proposed application is a suitable scale for the function it is to provide, and sustainable by means of location, accessibility and the expansion of an existing building,” plans add.

“Due to the position within the site, the proposed extension will not affect the openness of the green belt, nor will it have a detrimental impact on the landscape, wildlife habitats or neighbouring land and residences.

“For the reasons given, the development is believed to be appropriate development within the green belt, and the benefits of the scheme are believed to outweigh any perceived harm to the green belt.”

However, in refusing permission, the council said: “The proposed development would result in a disproportionate addition over and above the size of the original building.

“As such, it represents inappropriate development that is by definition harmful to the green belt.

“Very special circumstances to outweigh the harm have not been demonstrated. As such, the proposal is contrary to planning policy.”