Golf course in Northumberland set to be reduced to 12 holes after developer wins planning appeal

Harrison Leisure had lodged an appeal when its plans for Percy Wood Golf Club and Country Retreat were refused by Northumberland County Council in April.

A planning inspector has now overturned that decision which gives the green light to plans to introduce up to 180 new static caravans/lodges and create a new leisure hub featuring a swimming pool, gym and café.

A reconfiguration of the existing golf course is proposed to make room for the development which would result in it being cut from 18 holes to 12 holes.

Planning inspector Chris Baxter, in his report, stated: “The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted. The proposed development would not conflict with the development plan as a whole, including the Neighbourhood Plan.”

He added: “The proposal would not be an overly obtrusive feature in the landscape and would be read as an extension to the existing rural tourism development.

"The scale and design of the proposed leisure facility building would not be a dominant feature and is well designed.”

The plans for the Swarland site had been recommended for approval by council planners despite stiff local opposition – with 197 objections on issues including highways, anti-social behaviour, noise, odour, light pollution and partial loss of the golf course.

Cllr Trevor Thorne, local ward member and chairman of the strategic planning committee, compared the scheme to “Disneyland”.

At the time, consultants on the applicant’s behalf pointed out it would create up to 75 new jobs and ‘ensure Percy Wood remains a vibrant tourist destination for the future’.

A planning report for the applicant had stated: ‘Greater numbers of managed hire fleet caravans are required to meet the needs of the growing ‘staycation’ market. It is therefore clear that Percy Wood needs to both diversify and enhance its offer to residents to re-align the business.’

The report goes on to explain that golf revenue is declining and has been running at a recorded loss.

‘Like many other golf clubs across the region and despite the course’s past success, golf’s popularity is fading with revenues year on year,’ the report outlines. ‘Percy Wood Golf Course has been running at a recorded loss for some years.

‘Percy Wood is looking to invest, diversify and improve its choice of leisure facilities to re-align the business with consumer demands of the modern day holiday sector. This will improve the sustainability and viability of an integrated golf course and new leisure hub.’

The appeal victory is the latest success for North East based Architects-Group. It has also recently seen plans approved for a specialist veterinary emergency referral hospital in Amble and listed building consent to convert a barn in Thropton into four luxury executive homes.

This follows approval for 23 new family homes on the site of the former St Mary’s Middle School in Belford, with construction work looking to start on site in early 2027.