Important Kinnon Park announcement from Club Captain - 10th August 2007
During June we were informed that Kinnon Park farm had been put on the market for sale. This was done with no discussions at all with G S Brown Construction or with the Board at Craigie Hill Golf Club. Both Geoff Brown and our Club made our disappointment very clear to the farmer and it looked, at that time, if our planned Course at Kinnon Park had gone.
I am now pleased to report that Geoff Brown is in final negotiations to purchase Kinnon Park Farm on a personal basis. I have been assured that, should planning permission be granted at some stage for Craigie Hill, we will still be able to build a Golf Course at Kinnon Park.
The continual discussions with Perth & Kinross Council Planning are still progressing very slowly. We have now been informed that the new Perth Area Plan will be published in November 2007. There is still no guarantee that the land at Craigie Hill will be included for housing, and if it is the indication is that it will only be the lower slops up to the 14th Fairway and 3rd Green. Obviously this will not be sufficient land for us to progress with the building of a new course and the associated facilities required. G S Brown Construction has therefore asked Wimpey Homes to look at this land and let us have a plan for a high-density housing development. This will give us some indication of the land value before any further decisions are made.
As negotiations continue I will ensure members are kept up to date with any meaningful developments.
Club Captain
Kinnon Park update - 22nd June 2007
THE CLUB WAS INFORMED ON THURSDAY 21ST JUNE 2007 THAT THE FARMLAND IDENTIFIED FOR THE RELOCATION OF CRAIGIE HILL GOLF CLUB HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE OPEN MARKET BY THE OWNER RANDALL WILSON. THIS CAME AS A COMPLETE SURPRISE AND DISAPPOINTMENT TO BOTH THE CLUB AND G.S. BROWN CONSTRUCTION LTD WHO WERE BOTH TOTALLY UNAWARE OF THIS MOVE.
UNTIL WE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND RE-ASSESS OUR OPTIONS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE SUB COMMITTEE ARE UNABLE TO MAKE FURTHER COMMENT.
WE WILL OF COURSE UPDATE YOU AS SOON AS WE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION TO SHARE.
Allan Robertson
Vice Captain
Craigie Hill GC
22/06/2007
Clubs Debts Slashed - news item from Perth Advertiser, March 9th 2007
Gordon Bannerman
CRAIGIE Hill has teed up good news for members counting down to the annual meeting on March 16.
After several years of alarming deficits, the committee will announce a near £9000 loss – but only a belated VAT payment prevented them from breaking even over the last 12 months.
It heralds a dramatic change of fortune for the Perth club.
Members have been warned they’ll have to be patient as planning consent is still required to build houses on Craigie Hill – essential to pave the way to a new purpose-built course at Kinnon Park.
But with the potential move in the pipeline, local golfers have taken advantage of ongoing membership offers – still available at £315 – with subs jumping 14 per cent.Hard work has turned around the Hill’s finances, which last year suffered a £23,000 hit.
Barry McKenzie, finance director, said: “The return of popular steward and stewardess Trevor and Irene Filshie has had a positive impact on clubhouse and bar income, which has leapt almost 30 per cent.”
The one source of concern was a 50 per cent drop in income from visitors.
Alf Beattie will be retiring as captain, with Alan Davidson stepping up to the plate.
The Hill’s state of the art website is being updated and members will enjoy a new online booking facility this season.
In the annual report, members are warned: “Your board of directors remain convinced that the only viable long-term option for the club is to continue with the move to Kinnon Park.
“Our priority in the immediate future is to continue the fantastic progress made in the latter stages of 2006, building a stable membership base, which will provide the foundation of our new venture at Kinnon Park.”
Craigie Hill will link up with developers GS Brown in a joint venture company and the St Madoes firm has come up with a £60,000 interest free loan.
“Housing at Craigie Hill has been recommended for inclusion in the Draft Local Area Plan.
“The frustration is that the plan needs to be adopted by the full council, which will now not happen until after the local elections in May.
“GS Brown have progressed a full survey of the Hill and architects have recommended suitable areas for housing.
“These plans also suggest the best access route to service these development areas, which in reality will involve the formation of a new access road crossing the allotments at Low Road.”
A plan of the suggested layout, along with a photo montage of what housing would look like, is available to view at the clubhouse.
The developers will have to overcome access challenges and that has been left in the hands of the solicitors.
Turning to Kinnon Park, Mr McKenzie confirmed outline planning permission for a 27-hole golf course and facilities has already been secured.
Prospective golf course designers have been sounded out to ensure that the project can move ahead quickly when the green light is given for the Craigie Hill development.
Newsletter February 2007
Click here for February 2007 newsletter
Newsletter September 2006
Kinnon Park: On the Kinnon Park front. At a recent meeting of Perth & Kinross Council's Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee several issues were discussed relating to the recommendations put forward within the Perth Draft plan. This included the Club's submission in respect of re-zoning the course for housing. The outcome of this meeting reported in the press was that "Areas identified for major expansion include North Scone, Craigie Hill Golf Course, Oudenard at Bridge of Earn and Bankfoot". There will be many other issues to be considered in line with our individual application such as layout of roads, access and education capacity to name but a few. The timetable following that meeting was that this recommendation would go before full Council at the end of October for final approval. However I have since been informed that this will be deferred till after the local elections have taken place in May 2007, when Councilors will be seeking re-election. This not only affects Craigie Hill but all other areas identified for expansion.
Till we get final approval for re-zoning no work can commence on the new course. This once again reinforces the fact that we must be patient and whilst we remain at the hill we do everything to support our Club and have a strong and active membership.
Trevor & Irene: Following on from that we were indeed very fortunate to get Trevor and Irene Filshie back. They have once again weaved their magic. Major changes have taken place giving the Clubhouse a distinctive buzz that has been lacking for sometime. We look forward to a full social calendar over the winter months to include special culinary theme evenings along with the ever popular Quiz Nights, Casino evening, Burns Night, Christmas and Hogmany dances. The menu changes and new lunch time specials have been like a breath of fresh air. I would urge you all to give them your full support. Full details of all social events, over the forthcoming winter months, will be posted on the web page shortly.
Summer Season: The playing season is now drawing to a close, after a cold spring, we enjoyed a marvelous summer. The course was in exceptional condition with our greens some of the best in the County and a joy to play on, receiving compliments from members and visitors alike. Great credit must go to Stuart Robertson and the green staff. The ladies gents and junior sections have all, given a good account of themselves both at team and individual performances.
Membership: A number of new members have been admitted recently. This has put increased demand on times in medals and other competitions. It is disappointing to see that some members fail to turn up for tee times reserved in their name, fail to return their competition card and enter their score into the computer. All of this puts unnecessary strain on the administration of the Club which is being carried out on a purely voluntary basis. It is the intention of the committee to take action against these persistent offenders by suspending them from competition for 8 days following the date of the transgression. Click here for further information.
Club Constitution: Thanks must go to Vice Captain Alan Davidson for revising the Club Constitution. Spending many a long hour, painstakingly, sifting through prior committee minutes and A.G.M. documentation to ensure all amendments and changes have been correctly documented. This task has I may add has been on the “to do list” going back several years. This exercise has now been completed and will be ready for distribution to members prior to the next A.G.M.
In Conclusion: We have had many changes and challenges to meet during the past few months. I have been so very fortunate to have had such help and assistance not only from my committee but from within the membership base of the Club. This has proved to be invaluable and for that I thank you all.
Alf Beattie (Captain)
Sept. 2006.
2nd September 2006 - Kinnon Park
At a recent meeting of Perth & Kinross Council's Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee several issues were discussed relating to the recommendations put forward within the Perth Draft plan, this included the Club's submission in respect of re-zoning the course for housing. The outcome of this meeting reported in the press was that "Areas identified for major expansion include North Scone, Craigie Hill Golf Course,Oudenard at Bridge of Earn and Bankfoot". There will be many other issues to be considered in line with our individual application such as layout of roads, access and education capacity to name but a few.
The timetable following that meeting was that this recommendation would go before full Council at the end of October for final approval. However I have since been informed that this will be deferred till after the local elections have taken place in May 2007, when Councillors will be seeking re-election. This not only effects Craigie Hill but all other areas identified for expansion.
Till we get final approval for re-zoning no work can commence on the new course.
A.A.Beattie
(Captain)
2nd Sept 2006
Report supports house-building on golf course
The Courier and Advertiser, Monday, June 26, 2006
by Richard Burdge
A Controversial proposal to build houses on a century-old Perth golf course would help solve the need for new housing sites, council officials have concluded.
The plan to develop Craigie Hill golf course, while facing strong opposition from some local people, could provide 300 new homes, councillors will be told this week.
"There is a need to identify new housing sites and this site has good links to the city, easy access to good public transport routes, a good landscape framework and minimal impact on the wider landscape," says Jimm Irons, executive director (environment) in a report on the draft Perth area local plan.
"The site has a mature landscape framework, having been used as a golf course for 95 years.
"While the upper part of the site, delineated by rock outcroppings, if of importance to the landscape setting of Perth, the lower slopes have the capacity to absorb development.
"The development would be visible from parts of Glasgow Road and Viewlands.
"However, with careful design and the retention of the main elements of structural planning, there would be minimal landscape impact.
"The area could accommodate up to 300 houses and such a density would not be out of character with the surrounding area.
"The exact number of houses would only be established following a landscape appraisal.
"The exact number of houses would only be established following a detailed landscape appraisal.
"The upper hillside should not be developed as it is an important landscape feature for the setting of the city and would remain a green belt.
"Development of the site would require that the existing golf course relocate and planning permission has already been granted for a new course at Kinnon Park near Methven which the club feels would meet their needs better.
"An integral part of the proposal is the setting out of and use of the undeveloped part of the site as public open space to complement the public areas at Buckie Braes and St Magdalene's Hill."
In his report Mr Irons notes that there is not enough capacity within local primary schools to meet the needs of the development and this is an issue that would need to be resolved.
The impact of house building on the Scouring burn and possible flood risks along with access issues would also need to be examined in detail.
The council's enterprise and infrastructure committee will need to decide on Wednesday whether the Craigie Hill development should be included in the local area plan, the blueprint for future development in Perth.
Other major issues which will need to be discussed by the committee as they strive to complete the plan will be major housing proposals at Grange, major village expansions at Scone and Stanley, a new bridge for Perth, north-western expansion of Perth and retail/business proposals at Huntingtower.
With regard to a new Tay bridge, the report notes that a technical and economic case for such a crossing is being developed.
While such a bridge may be a long way off, the report advises that land for use in linking Scone with North Perth, should the bridge become a reality, should be safeguarded in the meantime.
Kinnon Park Update May 2006
The architects are now in the process of producing a Layout and Concept Plan for the proposed housing development on the Craigie Hill site. Hopefully this will be ready by the end of May early June. However they required a little more detail, so the surveyors have had to re-visit the course week beginning Monday 15th May. Once this Layout Plan is ready it will be presented and discussed with the board of directors prior to going forward to Perth and Kinross Council for further consideration.
Our lawyers to date are still seeking clean title from Dupplin Estates agents and until this is obtained, enabling access to the Craigie Hill site, we are unable to sign the "Heads of Terms". This is currently part of an ongoing process and hopefully will be resolved shortly. It has not in any way hindered the current preparation and ongoing process that is being carried out in respect of the layout plan.
Alf Beattie (Captain)
Survey of Craigie Hill
Following the survey of Craigie Hill Golf Club that took place during the month of March. Geoff Brown, Dennis Munro, John Denholm (John Denholm Partnership Crieff) and company walked round the course on Wednesday 29TH March.The survey carried out initially indicates that any housing on the hill would be restricted to the flatter parts of the course, our fairways. We were all impressed with the actual area of ground falling into this category, although it's early days. The next step will be to commission an aerial photograph to place along side the survey plan and draw up an outline planning layout. This will be done by the architects the John Denholm Partnership. Outline plans will then have to be submitted to the Council by June, before they recess for the summer. So we appear to be on track as far as meeting the timetable I set out at the A.G.M.
Alf Beattie (Captain)
News from the Captain
You will be pleased to know that we are making good progress. The Council has passed the outline planning application by G-S. Brown Construction to build a 27- hole golf course at Kinnon Park and the developer has addressed the access situation on the site.
We are also dose to signing a legal "HEADS of TERMS" which will enable us to formalise the developers £60000 non-refundable option payment, and we hope to have this completed and signed very soon.
We have been successful in increasing our previously decreasing membership levels. Over 75 new members have joined as a result of our campaign to boost membership and this increase both on and of the course will be of benefit to the club, revitalising the future our future, increasing revenue, play on the course and money in the match prize funds and I'm sure you will join me in welcoming our new members to the club and wishing them a successful season.
Whilst we have experienced another trading loss tor 2005, we have been able to avoid any increase in membership fees for existing members.
Although some of the actions we have taken have been extremely difficult we are able to go forward into the 2006 season stronger as a club, which is positive news in the current golfing climate when other dubs continue to suffer. We must make sure we continue to develop this strong position.
Golf course backed by councillors
By Alison Anderson - 27th December, 2005
MULTI-MILLION-POUND plans for a new golf course four miles west of Perth have been unanimously approved by councillors.
Carse of Gowrie-based housebuilders GS Brown (Construction) Ltd were given outline permission from Perth and Kinross Council's development control committee for the construction of a 27-hole course and associated facilities on 337 acres of farmland at Kinnon Park Farm, between Methven and Tibbermore.
The applicants intend the course to be a replacement for Craigie Hill golf course in Perth, which they have earmarked for a housing development, although plans for this have yet to be lodged with the council.
In his appraisal, the council's development control head, lan Sleith, said the proposals would help assist the development of the local tourist industry and offer additional employment and income.
Mr Sleith acknowledged the link-up with the intention to build on Craigie Hill but he asked members to "consider the proposals on their own merits".
"The difficulty here is that a significant level of unmet demand has not been demonstrated, although it is known that there is an aspiration that the proposed course will attract a higher level of membership and visitors than the existing club does," said the planners' report.
"The approval of this application should, however, not be seen as having any bearing on the issue of the development of the Craigie Hill
course.
The report to committee stated that, while the site of the new golf course at Kinnon Park Farm will be visible from the unclassified road between Tibbermore and Balgowan and a proposed access road near the A85, it will not be seen from Methven, with only "limited" visibility from the A85.
"Although the proposal will introduce change into an entirely pastoral landscape, these will generally be perceived by others at a distance," Mr Sleith noted.
"The overall proposal should consequently have little impact on the landscape of the area.
"The local road network is capable of absorbing the development and a satisfactory access onto that network can be provided, subject to upgrades.
"In the interests of encouraging the use of public transport, pick up and drop-off areas should be provided on the A85 close to the junction with the Tibbermore road."
Family ties resulted in two members of the development control committee declaring an interest in the application, meaning they were unable to take part in the decision-making process. Councillor Willie Wilson bowed out because his son is a member of Craigie Hill Golf Club, as is the son-in-law of councillor Archie MacLellan.
In October, Craigie Hill's membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking an agreement with GS Brown after a series of annual losses threatened the existence of the club.
Planners back golf course proposals
The courier and advertiser - 17th December 2005
ST JOHNSTONE FC chairman Geoff Brown has lodged outline proposals for a multi-million pound golf course in Methven with Perth and Kinross Council.
G. S. Brown Construction Ltd, which is owned by Mr Brown, intend to build a 27-hole golf course on the site at Kinnon Park Farm, which lies between Methven and Tibbermore, and is widely seen as a new location for members of Craigie Hill Golf Course in Perth.
The application will be discussed by councillors at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council's development committee on Tuesday.
An extraordinary general meeting (egm) was held last month at which it was decided by Craigie Hill Golf Club to accept G. S. Brown's offer for the Perth golf course by 238 votes to 28. The company have earmarked the Perth site for a residential development.
The planned golf course in Methven will include car parking, a clubhouse and storage facilities. Access will be made from the unclassified road between the A85 and Tibbermore using an upgraded existing private road.
lan Sleith, head of Perth and Kinross Council's development committee, is recommending approval of the Methven golf course plan, and wants it to be judged solely on its own merits.
In his report to the committee, he said, "The approval of this application should not be seen as having any bearing on the issue of the development of the Craigie Hill course, although it is known that there is an aspiration that the proposed course will replace the Craigie Hill one in Perth.
"Our local plan supports the development of a new golf course open to the general public on the west side of Perth, provided that the overall building doesn't involve the irreversible use of prime agricultural land and is consistent with other landward area policies.
"The site is close enough to Perth to be covered by the policy and the proposed development can meet the general local plan requirements."
He continued, "The draft local plan, which is a material consideration, encourages the provision of additional or improved golf courses provided the applicant can prove that there is demand for such a facility and the proposals are consistent with other local plan policies.
"An important objective of providing the proposed course is to generate a significant level of usage by tourists and visitors to the Perth area. It is also worth noting that the site lies just outwith the proposed Green Belt around Perth.
"But it would be desirable that the design of the golf course, including the alignment of fairways and the provision of peripheral areas of rough and stands of trees, ensured that the likelihood of golf balls straying on to neighbouring farmland was minimised."
SportScotland is in principle in favour of the golf course but Methven and District Community Council have objected to the plan due to general lack of information and to the uniting of Perth and Methven.
At the Craigie Hill Golf Course egm, which was held in the Dewar's Centre in Perth, Mr Brown told members, "I am looking forward to working on this project with the Craigie Hill Golf Club to •create a new golf course, which will not only be better, and more playable than the one they have at present, but will be rated among the first rank of Perthshire's courses."
G. S. Brown have already lodged a separate full planning application for 11 houses to be built at Kinnon Park Farm.
Perth golfers vote for move to village base
By Eric Nicolson - 2nd November 2005
THE MEMBERS of a Perth golf club have voted by a huge majority to relocate to a new multi-million pound 27-hole complex near Methven.
At an extraordinary general meeting in the Dewar's Centre on Monday night, the motion to accept G. S. Brown Construction's offer for Craigie Hill and move to Kinnon Park was passed by 238 votes to 28.
Already an outline planning application has been lodged to develop the complex, which will include a driving range, and it is hoped work could begin next year and be completed by 2008 or 2009.
However, the parties involved will have to successfully argue that the Perth local plan be changed to rezone Craigie Hill, a golf course since 1911, for housing.
It had been thought that there may have been an incentive package offered to members on Monday, such as life membership, but there was not.
Yesterday Alf Beattie, the club captain, said on behalf of the board of directors, "We are delighted that at last night's egm the resolution was passed and accepted by 90% of the membership.
"Our long term future is now secure which was always the board's major concern but to be moving to such an ideal site at Kinnon Park is a bonus. This will without doubt put Craigie Hill and the city of Perth back on the golfing map in Perthshire for years to come."
G. S. Brown chairman Geoff Brown, said, "I am looking forward to working on this project with the club to create a new golf course which will not only be oetter, and more playable, than the one they have at present, but will be rated among the first rank of Perthshire's courses.
He added, "If things go well in terms of getting the necessary planning permission we hope to start construction in the summer of 2006. Apart from building time there will need to be a year or so for the fairways and greens to become established so it is difficult to predict exactly when the move can take place. A two to three-year tunescale is our objective.
"So far as the future use of Craigie Hill is concerned, it is obviously a long established green space within the city and we will be putting a lot of thought into how housing can be incorporated sensitively into the landscape and land form.
"Before any decisions are taken on those matters we will have a topographical survey carried out and, of course, landscape impact and other ecological studies to be agreed with the council and other bodies.
"Again, to get the process started, we lodged representations to the draft Perth Area/Central Area Local Plan in March this year to the effect that the existing course be earmarked for residential development."
Hill's home help
By Gordon Bannerman - 22nd October 2004
A £5 MILLION golf course development and driving range complex could be teed up on the outskirts of Perth.
That's the carrot being dangled in front of Craigie Hill Golf Club members as local developer G.S. Brown Construction seeks to secure planning permission to build homes on the hill enjoying panoramic views over the Fair City.
Yesterday, more than 300 club members - who have endured mounting losses in three of the past four years — were mulling over radical proposals to relocate the club from the site which has been home since 1911.
Club captain Tom Reddie and committee members mapped out the bare bones of plans which retain an element of confidentiality to a packed clubhouse on Wednesday.
Mr Reddie declined to identify the developer or precise location of the proposed new course but yesterday, Steve Brown, managing director with family firm G.S. Brown Construction, confirmed: "We have been approached by the golf club and have agreed to assist them with their current problems. As our discussions are at an early stage, I don't think it would be in anyone's interests to elaborate on our proposals at the moment."
The unidentified land earmarked for a new 18-hole, par 70 challenge lies within "comfortable distance" of Craigie Hill. Despite conjecture, it is not part of the new village proposed at Oudenarde, near Bridge of Earn.
Mr Reddie said details outlined to members this week had met with positive response and now the committee would take the project further, with a view to holding an egm within the next four weeks.
'I'hat could pave the way for officially teaming-up with the developer to pursue the all-important planning consent.
"Craigie Hill would have to be re-zoned for housing as opposed to leisure use in the local plan. The project is in outline only at the moment and we are bound by confidentiality. Everything is at a preliminary stage," said Mr Reddie.
“But the proposal is to relocate Craigie Hill Golf Club to a site near Perth. The developer has land that he is happy to provide for a golf course. It could he open In four years, providing a modern clubhouse, driving range and parking.
"Planning permission would be crucial to the success of the project and there will be a five-week window when the local plan is published to try and get Craigie Hill re-zoned."
Mr Reddie admitted the Hill had suffered financial ills and members have been told falling membership and losses last year of £19,000 made relocation an attractive prospect.
|
