The owners of Boston West Golf Course in Lincolnshire have been given the green light to convert half of its it 18-hole golf course into a caravan park.
The planning application for the part change of use of Boston West Golf Course, including the siting of up to 300 lodge-style caravans and the development of an activity centre, spa, shop and catering facilities, has been approved by Boston Borough Council.
The application site comprises the existing Boston West Golf Course, an 18-hole course, 20-bay driving range, 6-hole academy course, 24-room hotel and clubhouse, and a restaurant, bar and reception area. In recent years, the golf course has experienced a steady decrease in its membership.
National consultantancy Pegasus Group provided a full range of services including planning, landscape, heritage, transport and economics in order to help secure planning permission on behalf of Boston West Leisure Ltd.
Pegasus Group Director Richard Cook said: “From an economic perspective, the scheme is going to help support the growing tourism sector in Lincolnshire and it will also lead to increased visitor spend in Boston. The pandemic also means that domestic tourism is likely to become more popular and the development of the caravan park will help Boston cater for this growing ‘staycation’ demand.”
The planning committee heard that the vision for the site is to deliver a high-quality holiday destination comprised of lodge-style caravans sensitively integrated into the setting and landscape of the existing golf course, creating a unique woodland character. The holiday destination would be supported by the remaining on-site golf facilities, as well as other facilities provided within the ‘hub’ building.
Importantly, members heard, the vision will not unacceptably impact the provision of golf facilities at the site, nor in the wider South-East Lincolnshire area; the committee heard that Sport England and England Golf have both been consulted and were supportive of the project on the basis that a reinvigorated 9-hole facility would be more viable and attractive.