The application submitted by Dunbar Golf Club & Cala Management Ltd was granted approval yesterday by East Lothian Council’s Planning Committee.

Included in the proposals at is a brand-new clubhouse, a nine-hole short course, golf academy, driving range and new greenkeeper facilities.

Funding for the upgrades is made possible by the new residential development by Cala Homes, designed to blend into the surroundings and split between two locations within the club’s existing land.

Committee members voted by seven to three in favour of the application, subject to a number of conditions and to the prior conclusion of a legal agreement to secure financial contributions towards accommodation at local schools, transport improvements and sports pitch provision.

Construction is anticipated to start on site in spring or summer next year.

It follows a careful process that saw Cala and the golf club work with the council to demonstrate how profit from the homes would adequately fund the club’s improvements.

As well as the major economic boost – through construction contracts and long-term employment opportunities created within the club’s staff team including hospitality, PGA services and greenkeeping- these new facilities will ensure the long term attraction of Dunbar Golf Club to the international visitor market and the valuable golf tourism spend which also benefits many local businesses including restaurants, hotels and taxi services.

Jacky Montgomery, PGA director of golf at Dunbar Golf Club, said: “We first secured outline planning permission back in 2015, so it’s been a long journey to get here but we’re delighted.

“Having these exciting new facilities will not only be a major benefit for our members and visitors, but it opens up significant opportunities for local people to get involved in golf and to enjoy the many health and well-being aspects of participating in the sport.

“From the driving range and academy, through to the short game practice area and the Par 3 golf course, we are breaking down barriers into the game. It will also give us much greater scope to further develop the work we do with our local schools and community groups.”

The build programme for the golf club’s new facilities and Cala’s new homes will run in tandem. Phase one will see the construction of the clubhouse, golf academy and driving range along with 60 new homes to the south of the site, towards Deer Park Cemetery, while 18 homes will form phase two to the north, on land which includes the location of the current clubhouse.

G1 Architects is behind the designs for the £3.6 million clubhouse, following on from celebrated projects at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Kingsbarns and the recently opened clubhouse at Dumbarnie Links.

The nine-hole par-three course is designed by RAW Golf Design – a practice formed by David J Russell and 1991 Masters Winner, Ian Woosnam.

Alasdair Hughes, land manager with Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re delighted to have received committee approval for our development proposals with Dunbar Golf Club. It’s an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to play a role in the next chapter of one of Scotland’s oldest golf clubs.

“This project will leave a powerful legacy, both in terms of sport and leisure – and local prosperity.”