EAST LOTHIAN Courier reports that the area’s economy could be set for a near £3 million boost after councillors gave the green light to the county’s first golf and leisure resort.
On Tuesday, planning committee members voted 12-1 to approve outline consent for a revised application by Whitekirk Golf and Country Club Ltd (WGCC). The multi-million pound project, which could be up and running by 2012, will feature a second 18-hole course at Whitekirk, a 100-bedroom hotel, a new clubhouse, 21 holiday lodges and 42 houses.
It will create 150 jobs and generate an estimated £2.7 million for the local economy annually.
East Lothian Provost, Councillor Sheena Richardson, declared: “There is no question our tourism industry requires a development such as this.”
Golf and tourism operators have also hailed the decision, which comes just 18 months after an original application was rejected. Then, the planning committee determined it was unsustainable and damaging to the environment.
This time, councillors agreed with their officials’ view that the scheme would be viable in the long term and that environmental concerns had been addressed. However, opponents claim the proposed development – which will double the number of homes in Whitekirk – will destroy the character of the historic village.
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