HISTORY

• Constructed early 1980's with adjoining housing by commission for new towns.
• Acquired in mid 1980's by Northern Trust and run as a private members course.
• Falling number of members and inherent location/layout problems resulted in significant financial losses, not eased by change to pay as you play.
• Course closed in January 2010 after becoming unviable.  

APPROACH

• Northern Trust applied full engagement with local communities and local authority/statutory bodies to seek solutions.
• A Proposal was formed to create publicly accessible recreation out of private land extending to 128 acres.
• The remaining 25% of land is to be developed for 550 houses, including 108 affordable homes, full pedestrian/cycling access and community uses.
• Northern Trust propose ecological enhancement of habitat for various important and protected species.
• Utilising most up to date sustainable practices.
• Northern Trust propose that development will provide opportunity for local community planning gain for community uses, affordable homes, transport improvements.
• Northern Trust identified that provision of houses in sustainable urban area meeting needs has not been met in previous years.

STATUS

• A planning application was submitted August 2010.
• An appeal against non-determination lodged February 2011.
• Following a 10 day public inquiry in 2011 the Secretary of State decided to dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission. The SoS agreed the site is in a sustainable location and a suitable development could be designed that would contribute towards Preston City Council's housing supply deficiency. However, the SoS decided that it had not been proven that the gold course was truly redundant.
• Northern Trust will continue to market the course for sale through Savills.

FURTHER SITES WANTED