More than 20 submissions of support have teed up so far for plans for a golf driving range in Bannockburn.
Lianne Muirhead wants to create the range - along with a food and drink cafe, clubhouse and multi-purpose community space, on land 250 metres east of Bridge Cottages at Whins of Milton.
The local businesswoman first announced her hopes of developing the facility last September, saying she hoped it would help give the area a boost after the demise of the longstanding Brucefields golf range.
Last year, the council decided an Environmental Impact Assessment would not be needed with the application and was “unlikely to result in effects on the environment which are sufficiently significant”.
Brucefields, which comprised a nine-hole course with shop, closed in 2020 after operating for decades.
It was set to be demolished and replaced by houses under the South Stirling Gateway Masterplan, however it was destroyed by a blaze in November of the same year before it could be knocked down.
In documents submitted with the recently lodged application, agents for Ms Muirhead said: “The applicant’s mission is to create an inclusive and accessible place to enjoy golf. In order to achieve this mission, the proposed development will be a destination facility that attracts, welcomes and is suitable for both individuals and groups from a wide range of demographics.
“For example, there will be dedicated sessions for beginners, both children and adults, complimentary taster sessions for those new to the sport as well as female only and male only sessions, and for minority groups to ensure it is diverse and inclusive.
“The applicant is extremely passionate about developing youth and junior programmes, ensuring there is longevity in the sport.
“There will also be specific and dedicated bays that allow groups to gather be they friends meeting socially, meeting for serious practice; or for those golfers looking to work on their game. This will include fully accessible bays, to ensure no one is left behind.
“The proposed development’s affiliated PGA Teaching Pros will become brand ambassadors, promoting and ensuring that golf is accessible to all. Employed professionals will offer both 1-2-1 lessons and group lessons, which can be arranged privately or via a wider session.”
The site is already owned by Ms Muirhead’s family and the golf driving range is described as a “passion project” which has been “many years in the planning”. While now running a local catering business with her sister, she has previously worked for the Sport Scotland Institute of Sport where she supported elite athletes and is herself said to be a “keen golfer” with over 20 years’ amateur experience in the sport.
If successful, the enterprise will be known as the ‘Long Line Driving Range’ and consist of 34 golf driving bays and 54 car parking spaces.
“The built form of the driving range will be sited in the eastern edge of the application site,” said the agents. “The existing vehicle access of New Line Road will continue to be utilised. This will provide access to the car park and service area for deliveries and refuse.
One submission of support lodged with planners said: “It will bring jobs and consumers into the area. It will be nice to have an affordable activity that allows people to try out or participate in golf if they don’t have the affordability to join a club. Top of the range facilities...will hopefully draw in more customers from out of the area.”
However, one reader wrote to the Observer saying: “Do we really need another driving range, cafe, clubhouse and will Mickey Mouse be putting in an appearance? An idyllic historical setting will be lost.”
