A popular golf club near the Mendip Hills could become a major leisure hub for the local area after plans were backed by local councillors.
Farrington Golf Club lies off Marsh Lane in Farrington Gurney, just off the main road between Bristol and Shepton Mallet.
The course’s owners, 360 Maple Ltd., applied in April 2024 to expand the sporting facilities offered at the club and build new lodges and eco-cabins within the grounds, allowing people to stay on site overnight.
Somerset Council’s planning committee east has now given these plans its backing, with councillors arguing it will bring jobs and investment to the local area.
Under the proposals, the existing 18-hole course will be retained, with a new family putting course being delivered within the site.
Away from the course, 48 eco-cabins will be constructed along with nine lodges – with the latter partially replacing caravan pitches within the site.
The clubhouse and driving range will be refurbished and a new maintenance hut and greenkeeper’s unit will be built to replace the existing structure (which will be converted into the indoor pickleball court).
The combined redevelopment is expected to create 26 new full-time jobs and up to 42 part-time positions.
READ MORE: Farrington Park Seniors discuss their future
Anne Huckle, who sits on Ston Easton Parish Council, spoke against the plans when the council’s planning committee east met in Shepton Mallet on February 4.
She said: “To turn a golf course that is established in open countryside into effectively a holiday park is inappropriate.
“We are concerned about noise from traffic, events, additional sporting and play activities, and the accommodation.”
Shaun Hughes, who represents the Midsomer Norton North division on Bath and North East Somerset Council, countered that the redevelopment would help to provide much-needed jobs for local residents.
He said: “For decades, Farrington Golf Club has been an important part of the village and the wider area, in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
“We are seeing large-scale housing growth on our border, and with that comes more demand for jobs. Currently we have more than 60 per cent of our area commuting out for jobs.”
Tony Bevan, a self-described “incompetent golfer” from Shepton Mallet, added: “I think this is a great idea.
“I’ve played at Farrington Park for the last ten years or so, and got to know the previous owner. He’d put in considerable investments striving to make the golf club viable and profitable.
“He sold it in 2023 to a similarly-minded organisation who would ensure its long-term future. I’m very impressed with their experience, motivation, integrity and friendliness.”
Councillor Edric Hobbs (whose Mendip Hills division includes the site) said he was “conflicted” by the proposals.
He said: “It would be totally inappropriate to have 30-tonne muck trucks coming out of the Marsh Lane junction onto the A37.
“However, I can also see the benefit of the employment. There’s going to be lots of development down the road and we need jobs.”
After around an hour’s debate, the committee voted to approve the plans by eight votes to four.