Clubhouse for championship-level golf course at Luton Hoo Estate is approved
A clubhouse to accompany a championship-level golf course on the Luton Hoo Estate has been reduced in size, a meeting heard.
Applicant Arora Group received outline planning permission for the building at Luton Hoo Hotel golf and spa in June 2024, along with expansion of the golf course.
The clubhouse would have a “smaller footprint and scale with a contemporary design approach”, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee.
“The 1,065-acre Luton Hoo Estate is a Grade II registered park and garden, including Luton Hoo Mansion house (Grade I), a golf course and a country club with spa facilities,” said the report.
“Golf has been played at the site historically. There was previously a nine-hole Georgian course that was used until 1940. The Adam’s stable block is used as the clubhouse.
“A new access would be provided from Tank Drive. The project includes a pro-shop, a kitchen, a bar and restaurant, club and trolley stores, and changing facilities. Modifications to the course layout were approved last month.”
Principal planning officer Caroline Macrdechian told the committee: “The former conifer plantation has been cleared to accommodate the new building.
“This facility is generally sited in the same location as a previous clubhouse,” she explained. “The smaller footprint follows the removal of the administrative office element, which is no longer required.
“There’ll be a drop-off zone with some parking, and further spaces provided in the basement. The heritage harm is less than substantial. Landscape harm has been identified, but this will be reduced by conditions.
“The proposed development is high quality, although represents inappropriate development in the greenbelt. Very special circumstances outweigh the harm.”
Conservative Caddington councillor Kevin Collins referred to the historic neglect to a boundary wall and bridges, acknowledging that Arora Group “intends to bring everything up to standard”.
“This company is determined to invest some serious money in Central Bedfordshire,” he said.
Head of planning at Arora Group Mandip Malhotra described the firm as “incredibly proud to be current custodians of Luton Hoo Estate”, saying: “Early this year, it was confirmed the office floorspace was no longer required and we reviewed the clubhouse design.
“The access road has been moved and that’s a positive from the ecology perspective. This development is a bold contemporary design, but hopefully allows us to differentiate the old from the new and appreciate the grandeur of the heritage assets.
“We’re still committed to delivering all the social, heritage and environmental benefits of the original application, such as improvements to the rock garden and repairs to the historic bridges.
“We’ve a glazed facade, and completed glint and glare studies. The conservation officer didn’t want to see a beacon in the landscape.”
Ms Macrdechian added: “The vary of condition application site is located in a different area of the estate and relates to the listed Adam’s stable block.
“A larger swimming pool will be provided and changes made to the central courtyard, with an extension to the basement. These are minor material amendments, which doesn’t result in extra harm.”
Councillors unanimously agreed the full clubhouse plans and to vary the condition on the separate application, along with listed building consent.