You may be aware that the Club has identified two residual areas of land which have the potential for sale for development. These are the area to the right of the seventh tee box and that at the top left of the second fairway abutting Gray’s Lane.

A small internal committee has been set up to examine the possibilities of this being a realistic option and what steps would be necessary to realise the potential. Council wishes to make it clear that any sale would only be proposed to members providing there is minimal disruption to the current course layout.

As a first step, our Solicitor has been asked to examine the deeds of the land to ensure there are no impediments to sale. Should this be the case, it is intended to hold preliminary discussions with Planning Services to get a flavour of how a full planning application may proceed.

It should be pointed out that the Golf Course is defined as land for recreational purposes in the Belfast Metropolitan Plan and that such land can only be sold in exceptional circumstances. In addition, current planning regulations deem we can only sell up to one tenth of the total land area and that we have only one opportunity to do this.

Clearly, the internal committee has to present a solid argument for what would be accepted as exceptional circumstances. Initial advice tells us that we must prove that capital gained from any sale must be reinvested into our course and infrastructure. It will be necessary, therefore, to prepare a costed list of priorities for the enhancement of the course and clubhouse in order to consolidate the long term viability of the Club. Any views on this are welcome.

It is intended to hold an information night for all members on August 17th. As well as a presentation on the current situation regarding the Club’s finances, it is intended that a further update on the land issue be given. It would be very helpful if members could forward questions on the land issue in advance of the meeting to enable comprehensive answers to be given.

Finally, Council would like to make it clear that ultimately any decision on the disposal of land rests with the members of the Club.

Many thanks

Michael Graham

Honorary Secretary