Work to create safer walking routes across Darley Golf Course in Troon is nearing completion.
But concerns have been raised that the scheme has been ‘rushed through,’ preventing proper scrutiny from the public.
Funding for the scheme is thanks to the Scottish Government’s Placed Based Investment Programme.
The enhancement also comes ahead of the council’s £5 million investment in their golf courses in South Ayrshire, which will see a range of upgrades over the next three years.
One of the existing paths has been extended to connect Kilmarnock Road with Dundonald Road, and two new grass paths are being prepared to allow all non-golfing members of the public safe access to open green space.
As part of the ongoing project, six different length circular walking routes will be developed, and signage, information boards, and bins will be provided along the routes so that litter and dog waste can be disposed of responsibly.
Councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: “These works are essential to allow Darley Golf Course to be more accessible and safer to the public, as well as enhancing it for our regular golfers.
“The course is very popular thanks to its stunning location, and I know that the improvements will make it easier for everyone to enjoy.”
However, following completion of the first phase of the project, SNP councillor Craig Mackay has voiced concerns over the way these works were carried out.
He claims “no effort” was made by the Conservative-led administration to engage with the public.
Cllr Mackay said: “There are a lot of positives in this project to create safe walking routes around and over the Darley Golf Course. The new paths will remove much of the conflict we’ve seen between walkers and golfers, meaning that all users will be able to better enjoy the space. I fully support the new paths being built.
“But the works have generated a surprisingly high number of enquiries. Nobody even knew this was happening until the security fences went up for construction works.
“A lot of the concerns are about the huge amount of earth that has been moved, creating high mounds along the edge of the golf course, and vast areas of gorse cleared to create ‘sand scrape’ habitats.
“It is symptomatic of the current council Administration to shy away from public engagement and consultation. Entirely valid concerns are being raised about the potential impact on wildlife, and about the use of earth mounds that block previously-enjoyed views across the fairways.
“For a scheme of this scale it is unacceptable that the public weren’t able to have an input before the design was signed off. Had this happened, many of these issues could have been addressed and assurances provided.”
He added: “I had asked for sight of the drawings earlier this year but wasn’t given access to them until works went on site and it was too late to influence the project.
“From what I’ve been able to piece together, this was rushed through to avoid time-limited funding expiring. Doing so has clearly been at the expense of openness and communication.
“This is only the first phase of a much larger project to re-imagine the Darley course.
“While I have concerns about the £5m the Administration are diverting to golf at this challenging time for public finances, I am at least reassured that the remaining works will require a planning application and so local residents will have a chance to have their say.”
A council spokesperson said: “The project was progressed to create safer walking routes around and across the golf course. An ecological survey was carried out prior to starting the work and this informed the extent of the bare sand areas created. The mounds will be left to nature and selective planting will also be undertaken.
“Gorse has encroached on playing areas of the course so this will be cut back which will help to reduce the number of rabbits on the course as well as reducing the risk from deliberate fire starting which has been an issue of late.
“In the summer of 2021 a questionnaire sent to season ticket holders, casual players, leisure users and clubhouse users included an outline of this project. There has been ongoing engagement with local councillors since 19 October 2022 which has included details of the plans.
“Golf clubs were invited to a meeting on April 12, 2023 to discuss the project, information was also posted in the clubhouse and also on the Council website.
“On May 22 a meeting was arranged with local councillors and the architect to provide further information on the project and to answer any questions.”
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