A huge multi million-pound scheme to build a hotel and golf training academy near Bawtry has been given the green light.
The Bawtry Park development, which is expected to create 130 jobs, will see a 64-bed spa hotel, bar and restaurant, health and fitness club and brand new golf academy completely transform Bawtry Golf Club in Austerfield.
The blueprint also includes plans to build 18 houses on the site.
It was given the go ahead by Doncaster planners despite a number of concerns from local councillors about the housing element of the development.
Austerfield resident and parish councillor Sandra Crawford said there is a positive feeling about the ambitious project in the village.
"Personally I think it's a good idea in many ways," she said.
"There was a bit of concern that they may build the houses first and then stop the development if they didn't have the money, but we have had assurances from Doncaster Council that that won't be the case.
"One of the main positives is the jobs element - we need that in this rural area which is on the edge of Bawtry, a very small town, and near Retford, which is bigger but still small.
"Whether we need another hotel in this area, I don't know, but the golf academy, if it can get youngsters off their computers inside and out doing something active, will be a good thing."
The main features of the scheme, which is expected to take four years to build and create around 80 full-time and 50 part-time posts, are:
- Central reception area
- 64 bedroom hotel with expansion potential
- Health and fitness club including leisure pool and spa
- Conference and function suite
- ‘Village Bar’ for hotel users and visitors
- Golf Academy, driving range, pro shop and sports bar
- 18 golf course-fronted private homes
- Remodelled golf course
In the planning and design statement, applicants Saul Construction say: "The vision is to enable the site to become a place of regional and national significance for golf in the 21st century and to facilitate the economic and health benefits such a facility will promote.
"Other functions being proposed as part of the development (eg. hotel. restaurant, health and fitness and conferencing) are ancillary to the golfing element and will act together in harmony to support the venue as a true centre of excellence and comprehensive leisure destination.
"Our proposals include an integrated golf academy - a perspective shift which leans towards a cutting-edge sports science provision providing an array of the very latest analytical and simulation equipment.
"Classroom and seminar spaces are provided for visiting groups to participate in educational programmes. These technical facilities are complemented with recreational facilities including a sports bar and ‘leisure’ driving range."
The remodelling of the existing golf course will enable the traditional 18 holes to be subdivided into three six-hole courses, with the aim of shifting the game from ‘formal’ to ‘fun’, added the firm.
