A BUSINESS case for the creation of a £1.3 million golf development centre at Belleisle Golf Course will be brought before councillors next year.

Councillor Philip Saxton, chair of South Ayrshire Council’s service and partnerships performance panel, asked about the work being planned for the Ayr golf estate during a meeting earlier this month.

He said: “There is remedial work being done on the Darley Troon masterplan, for the creation of a driving range for Belleisle, and other investment for the creation of a building for golf development.

“Do you have a business case for this and will this come to the council along with some consultation? If so, when?”

Service lead Alistair Mutch said: “Aligned with the golf strategy, the planned course improvements are predominantly intended to address health and safety concerns, modernisation opportunities, and improve course maintenance, highlighted throughout the course appraisals.

“But in addition to this, we have instructed a business plan to be developed, to identify any commercial opportunities and deficiencies throughout the improvement works to allow this to be achieved."

Cllr Saxton asked: “Is this coming to council in December or will it be later?"

Mr Mutch confirmed that it would be brought to councillors in the new year.

The planned changes to Belleisle have met with significant opposition from players.

Opened in 1927, Belleisle was designed by five-time Open champion and architect James Braid.

Some have expressed fears that any slippage in work being undertaken could impact the club in its centenary year.

Objectors, from a number of clubs which play at Belleisle as well as the Friends of Belleisle group, say they are willing to work with the council to reach a compromise, with support for many of the improvements to bunkers and drainage.