Planning v.1

A Rotherham golf club rescued from the brink of collapse is looking to diversify with Airbnb-style holiday lets and a revamped clubhouse under new plans lodged with the council.

Grange Park Golf Club in Kimberworth, off Upper Wortley Road, is proposing to refurbish two barns dating back to the 1800s, which sit at the top of the car park and were previously used for agricultural storage and greenkeeping equipment. The application states the buildings would be converted into five self-contained units, each with two bedrooms, to operate as “Airbnb holiday guest houses”.

The larger barn would be divided into three two-storey units with kitchens, living areas and first-floor bathrooms. The smaller barn would be converted into two apartments, one with its own external staircase. Both buildings would be fully upgraded with new roofs, refurbished structures, insulation, modern heating and utilities, while retaining original stonework and brick archways.

The surrounding area would be landscaped with pathways, planting and level access, and ten dedicated parking spaces would be provided within the existing car park. The site sits in the Green Belt and a designated local wildlife area, but the applicant argues the proposals will not affect openness or biodiversity because all work is restricted to existing buildings and hardstanding.

The application also includes several upgrades to the main clubhouse. These include a new single-storey glass entrance extension to create a more welcoming reception area, resurfacing of the car park and driveway with permeable tarmac, low-level lighting, eight EV charging spaces, and a larger decked terrace overlooking the 18th green to improve hospitality offerings linked to the spikes bar and event venue.

Planning documents outline the club’s financial difficulties prior to 2023, when it had amassed more than £500,000 in debts to Rotherham Council, HMRC and utility companies. Businessman Peter Eyre has since taken over the lease, settled council arrears and begun refurbishing the club, including the ballroom.

The applicant says the new guest accommodation and hospitality improvements are essential to securing the club’s long-term future, as income from golf alone is no longer sustainable. The neighbouring Grade II listed Grange Park Farmhouse is not affected and, according to the applicant, its owners support the plans.