Golf centre upgrades to go ahead

A three-storey driving range, hotel and new clubhouse are in the plans

Major upgrades to a golf centre have been approved, including a 75-bed hotel and new sports facilities.

The Broome Manor Golf Complex, in Swindon, owned by Twigmarket Ltd, has been granted the planning permission after it decided not to use land already used for the golf course.

A controversial 2023 proposal by the company had seen the site expanded with three holes on the golf course sacrificed, which was subsequently turned down by Swindon Borough Council.

Now the updated application is through, the company can build a new clubhouse, a three-storey driving range and a high ropes course.

Broome Manor wants to demolish the current clubhouse for a new one

The most significant new element for other sports is the addition of eight all-weather small-sided football pitches and four covered padel courts.

Twigmarket Ltd said the diversification is needed to keep the core business of golf going.

“These plans will substantially assist in securing the long-term financial viability of the site as a golf course thereby removing uncertainty over its use for many years to come," it said.

Many of the changes had already been approved in principle in earlier planning applications but not put into effect.

The prior issue with the golf course led to strained relations between golfers and management, with many angry at the potential loss of a nationally accredited nine-hole course.