Housing development refusal puts future of golf club ‘at risk’

Craigie Hill Golf Club had submitted a proposal to downsize its 18-hole course to nine holes and release land for up to 175 new homes. The scheme also included a remodelling of the clubhouse into a community hub, new sports and leisure facilities, bike trails, and public green space.

Despite backing from more than 200 supporters, Perth and Kinross councillors voted 26–9 against the application, following advice from planning officers that the scheme represented a “significant departure” from the local development plan and would encroach on designated green belt.

The project was designed as a survival plan for the club, which has been operating at a loss of £25,000–£30,000 per year. Club captain David Mitchell told councillors the rejection left the club with “15 months at the absolute most” before closure.

Kilmac co-founder and club member Athole McDonald said the housing element was vital to safeguard the golf facility, jobs, and investment in community amenities: “If we have to amputate an arm to save the body, that’s what we will do.”

Development director Derek Ross added that no ancient woodland would be affected, and highlighted that “hundreds of thousands of pounds” had already been invested in planning work.

While the application attracted strong local support, it also drew 107 objections, alongside formal opposition from the council’s development plan, transport, and biodiversity teams.

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale pressed the applicant on whether officers had warned that the project was contrary to green belt policy. Ross acknowledged they had. A request to defer the decision to address transport issues was also rejected.