Golf club operator submits revised master plan after council rejected original scheme
New proposals by the operator of two Liverpool golf courses have been unveiled, after previous plans were rejected last month by Liverpool City Council planning committee.
Green Circle’s proposal for a 66-bed hotel above the Grade II-listed manor house at Allerton Manor golf course was turned down at December’s planning meeting, but the decision is being appealed by the leisure business.
It has now submitted new plans to significantly revise its master plan for Allerton, which it says will create the premier public golf destination in the region.
The revised plans follow delays to the implementation of the original proposals approved in 2019 due to the COVID pandemic.
Green Circle golf manager, Sean Moore, said: “COVID gave us a chance to take a fresh look at the approved plans for Allerton, but also think through how best we synergise our plans for Allerton and our other course at Kirkby Valley to make optimum use of both facilities, and offer the best possible golf experience for our customers.”
One of the key changes proposed is the decision not to deliver the approved driving range at Allerton, with a two-tier modern driving range now being proposed within the submitted master plan for Kirkby Valley.
Andrew Craven, from golf architects, IDG, who has designed the new course layout at Allerton Manor, said: “By abandoning the driving range facility and structure, we have much more scope to improve the design for the revised 18-hole Championship Course at Allerton Manor.
“We can create a better and more interesting course, and we can also retain 400 mature trees which were approved for removal in the previous master plan. We are also introducing a lake alongside the access road in between the new first tee and 18th green, which will enrich the biodiversity of Allerton and make the most of its exceptional landscape setting.”
The new course layout also enables Green Circle to relocate the new Adventure Golf attraction next to the practice putting green, enabling the repositioning of the 18th green to a location in front of the new clubhouse and terrace area
The new clubhouse has also been redesigned by Liverpool architects, Brock Carmichael. The revised design now uses local red sandstone rather than grey brick in the main elevations to better complement its landscape and heritage setting.
Lead architect, John Cassell, said: “Our aim has been to design a building that fits more naturally into its setting. It’s a timber, red sandstone and glazed building that complements the existing buildings at Allerton Manor whilst providing a modern high quality clubhouse facility.”
The planning application also includes plans to enhance the popular Hay Loft function space with an extended terrace to the rear with a retractable roof, as well as access improvements with the installation of a platform lift for wheelchair access to the first floor events space.
Green Circle director, Yvonne Jackson, said: “Whilst focusing primarily on an enhanced golf offer, we have also taken the opportunity to make the function and social space at Allerton Manor more versatile and accessible.”
Green Circle hopes the planning application will be determined by Liverpool City Council by March 2023, and is promising that the new remodelled 18-hole course will be completed and open by May 2024, with the new clubhouse to be opened in spring 2025 .
Sean Moore said: “This is one of the big benefits of the amended golf course masterplan, as it will enable us to complete the course improvements and open the new course much more quickly, which means less disruption and inconvenience for our golfers and neighbours.”
