Multimillion pound Cabot Highland masterplan for new golf course at Castle Stuart passes fresh milestone
Plans for a major revamp of the clubhouse at Cabot Highland Golf Club have been approved by Highland Council planners.
A planning application was submitted last autumn to expand the clubhouse at the Castle Stuart course, erect a new ‘cart barn’ and significantly upgrade and landscape the car park.
The moves, which will increase the footprint of the existing clubhouse by 11,000 square feet, will see the building expanded to the north and south. The southern part of the expansion would take the form of an entire new ‘wing’ to the building that will feature an open air roofed walkway that would link it to the existing building. This single-storey wing would also house a new, larger pro shop – replacing the one inside the existing clubhouse – as well as a mix of plant and store rooms, outdoor accessible bathrooms, changing facilities and a pantry.
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The existing parts of the clubhouse would also see a number of internal alterations, which would create extra dining space, and a new snug bar where the current pro shop was house. A whisky bar would also be created on the site of the existing second floor lounge, with the extension of lower levels of the building to the north enabling the creation of additional terrace space on this upper floor.
The works are part of a wider multimillion pound masterplan to add a second 18-hole golf course to the popular links site. Those wider plans - which are subject to separate planning applications - include the construction of a number of other buildings, such as 25 new cottage, and are expected to create up to 175 jobs.
In the supporting statement lodged with the clubhouse application, a spokesperson for Cabot Highland, said: "The proposal involves the alteration and extension of the existing clubhouse to meet the anticipated demand that will be generated by the delivery of the second 18-hole course. The extension has enabled a review of the existing internal layout with these areas reconfigured to provide enhanced facilities."
They continued: "The upgrade of the car park area and demarcation of the parking spaces will aid circulation as will the proposed changes to the access arrangements. There are no infrastructure constraints, and the location of the clubhouse ensures that the proposed changes will have no adverse impact on residential amenity.
"The design includes quality material finishes commensurate with the character of the existing and proposed buildings. Castle Stuart, now Cabot Highland, is an important local employer and renowned golf facility. This proposal will deliver enhanced facilities securing the long term success of the golf club."
In their response to the application, consultees like NatureScot said that although the course is close to the Inner Moray Firth Special Protection Area (SPA), and the Longman and Castle Stuart Bays Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the planned works revolved around extending already existing infrastructure “in a highly modified environment, in an area of existing use” and that “therefore it is unlikely to introduce significant new disturbance to the designated sites.”
Granting permission, Highland Council planners said: “The proposal… provides new areas of landscaping that will enhance biodiversity. The upgrade of the car park area and demarcation of the parking spaces will aid circulation as will the proposed changes to the access arrangements.
“There are no infrastructure constraints, and the location of the clubhouse ensures that the proposed changes will have no adverse impact on residential amenity. The design includes quality material finishes commensurate with the character of the existing and proposed buildings.
Touching on the parking upgrades, the planners added: “The existing car park will be upgraded to delineate parking spaces (70 in total) with dedicated areas identified for mini-bus parking.
“The upgraded right-turn access from the B9039 public road into the site will meet the terms of the relevant conditions and ensure any additional traffic generated by the second 18-hole golf course and enhanced clubhouse facilities can be safely accommodated.”
