Ireland’s first ever Ryder Cup captain has backed his designs for a new Belfast golf club for “generations to come” as significant planning progress is made.
But a planning committee has raised concerns about a lack of talks with Belfast City Council.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council agreed this week to approve the Merrion Group pre-application notice (PAN) for the relocation of Balmoral Golf Club to a new site at Ballylesson Road, Belfast.
Former Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley believes the new course will be a “truly classic and timeless” golf venue.
He said: “Ballylesson will be a truly classic and timeless golf course, rooted in the traditions of the game and embracing a minimalist philosophy where the land itself shapes every golf hole.
“Its natural contours, subtle nuances and strategic character will provide a pure, authentic, and enduring test of golf.
“Designed to work with the landscape rather than against it, Ballylesson will honour the game’s origins while creating a sustainable course that can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
The new site at Ballylesson Road is understood to have been bought for approximately £3m with the existing south Belfast golf course set to be developed into a residential scheme.
Developer the Merrion Group has launched an online consultation on the relocation of the Balmoral Golf Club on the Lisburn Road in Belfast some four miles away to the Ballylesson Road.
Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “Do we have any ongoing correspondence with Belfast City Council? As I don’t believe one can happen without the other. I think it would be prudent for us to do so.”
Another digital graphic of how the course will look.
Lisburn North DUP councillor added: “Not to pre-empt the decision, but this would be a very interesting development of a world-class facility in the district.”
Castlereagh East Alliance Alderman Martin Gregg raised concerns of members “going over the line” in their comments with legal advice brought into a confidential chamber session.
A council officer responded: “There has been no direct discussions with Belfast City Council, this would be a matter for our council area.
“We have looked at the code of conduct when speaking on matters at a PAN stage, if needed members can sign up to retraining.”
In a statement to the LDRS, a spokesperson for Merrion Property Group said: “This proposal represents a significant investment in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area and stands to create an exciting new amenity for the wider South Belfast community.
“Our modern, state-of-the-art championship golf course will be designed by international golfer and former Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and will be built to Golf Environment Organization (GEO) standards, with a strong focus on sustainability.
“Our proposals also include the transformation and extension of the listed New Grove House into a high-quality, accessible clubhouse, preserving its historic character while incorporating sustainable design.
“We are excited about this opportunity to bring increased tourism to the area, deliver local jobs and invest in a new local amenity, whilst integrating sustainability principles and biodiversity into the heart of the proposals.
“We were pleased to discuss the proposals with the community during our consultation event on 18 June, and welcome feedback on the designs prior to the consultation deadline on Thursday 16 July at 5pm via our website: ballylessonroad.consultationonline.co.uk”