Planners back latest Formby Hall expansion

Sefton Council is set to back proposals to build 11 woodland lodges at Formby Hall Golf Resort, the latest in a series of major investments in the Green Belt site.

The golf resort has put forward plans to build the two-bed eco-lodges, to be serviced from the main Formby Hall hotel, which will be situated to the north of the hotel and golf course.

The timber buildings will feature a decking area and a kitchenette, although they are not designed for self-catering, with guests generally expected to use the hotel bars and restaurants.

Heating and hot water for the lodges will be provided by a proposed biomass plant, which is being brought forward under a separate planning application.

Supported by planner Turley, the application for the 11 lodges will go to Sefton Council’s planning committee next week with a recommendation to approve.

Although the development is situated in the Green Belt, planning officers said there were “very special circumstances” to allow the development to go ahead.

“The unique nature of the accommodation and its setting will make a distinctive contribution to tourism and to the economy of the borough,” said the officers’ report.

The resort currently extends to more than 200 acres and already features two golf courses of 18 and nine holes; a 27-bay driving range; a golf shop; health spa; and a 76-bed hotel.

Last year, the resort secured planning permission for expansion; this includes a two-storey wing to be built on the existing overspill car park, featuring 43 en-suite rooms with balconies or patios, while the first floor of the existing health club and spa building will be converted to provide 20 rooms.

A quadrant-shaped golf clubhouse and function room is also proposed, featuring an event space for more than 300 guests. This will be built on land to the west of the existing hotel building.