PLANS to make alterations to the clubhouse at Prestwick Golf Club to deliver a "world class facility" have been approved.

Denizen Works, on behalf of the club, submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council for alterations to the clubhouse.

This included moving and expanding the current restaurant to give visitors better views onto the greens.

The club say that the best views of the course are currently occupied by office space, and that the proposals "seek to gift these to the visitors".

The plans also include a new stairway to the first floor, as well as improved and expanded sanitary facilities.

The plans have now been approved by council officers, with just one objection submitted to the local authority. 

Planning documents state: "The submitted objection notes that, in the interests of preserving the visual character of the conservation area, the proposed dormer windows should utilise timber frames consistent with the traditional design and appearance of the clubhouse, as opposed to the proposed aluminium frames.

"It is considered, however, that the proposed aluminium frames are appropriate in this instance, given that they shall not be visible from public elevations within the conservation area, and that the proposed materials are consistent with the frames utilised in the existing dormer windows units."

A spokesperson for the club said: "Prestwick Golf Club is an institution of international significance and the amendments proposed to the first floor will ensure the quality of the user's experience reflects the prestige of the Club.

"Whilst the internal works will prove transformative, the external works are modest in scale and will create a negligible impact on the surrounding context.

"It is important to note that the building is not Listed and the proposed external works impact the later additions to the clubhouse, rather than the original historical building.

"We feel this approach is wholly appropriate in planning terms and look forward to working with the Council to delivering a world class facility to this important building."

Council officers said that the impact of the changes to the surrounding area would be low, and the application was approved.

Documents added: "With regard to the potential impact of the proposed development upon residential amenity, it is acknowledged that the field of view of each of the proposed dormer windows shall aspect the expansive golf course grounds which bound the site to its north, and do not extend to include aspects which overlook any neighbouring residential properties – the nearest of which are situated to the south of the site, across the public roadway of Links Road.

"As such, it is considered that the proposed development shall not result in any material loss of residential amenity.

"There are no policy objections to this proposal, and it is considered that this proposal does not have an adverse impact on the character or residential amenity of the surrounding area.

"Given the above and having balanced the applicant's rights against the general interest, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions."

The construction of a new clubhouse on the present site took place in 1868, before the clubhouse was extended in 1877 and 90 lockers, which are still in use today, were added in 1882.

A major redevelopment was completed in 1999 consolidating the clubhouse’s prominent position overlooking the first tee and 18th green.