Cleeve Hill Golf Club has submitted a planning application for a new clubhouse facility that will transform the historic golf club into a true community hub for the Cotswolds.
The planning application, submitted to Tewkesbury Borough Council, represents a significant milestone in the Cotswold Hub vision to create a destination “where golfers, cyclists, walkers, horse riders, and wildlife enthusiasts all share a common interest… the unique Cleeve Hill.”
Since taking over the 125-year lease in April 2021, the team at Cotswold Hub has been working to deliver on its promise to completely transform the clubhouse facilities while respecting the spectacular surroundings of Cleeve Common, the largest common in Gloucestershire and home to a fabulous Old Tom Morris designed golf course.
The proposed new clubhouse, designed with sustainability at its core, will replace the existing building with a modern facility that is sensitive to its surrounding with a lower visual impact. The development includes an enhanced restaurant and café facility with outdoor terracing offering panoramic views towards the Malvern Hills, improved amenities for golfers, and community spaces designed to accommodate the diverse range of visitors to Cleeve Hill. Improved access to the site with sensitive car parking solutions will enhance the experience for everyone visiting the common.
“This planning submission marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to creating facilities that serve both our golfing community and the wider public,” said Simon Pope, general manager of Cleeve Hill Golf Club. “We have enjoyed the journey so far and feel that this development will provide a big step in fulfilling our dream to create an environment that represents the future of golf whilst embracing all the users of the common.”
The new building will feature locally sourced materials including larch timber cladding and Cotswold stone boundary walls, reflecting the agricultural character of the area while meeting modern sustainability standards. The design follows a “fabric first” approach to energy efficiency, with high insulation, optimised natural ventilation, and minimal environmental impact.
Transformation of the clubhouse site is warmly welcomed by Cleeve Common Trust, the Charity that manages the Common.
Michael Bates, the trust’s clerk, said “Over the years we have seen ever more visitors to the Common, for outdoor recreation or simply to enjoy the space, views, fresh air and the unique natural environment. The new building will provide a first-class focal point, not only for visitors to Cleeve Comon but also the wider Cotswolds region.”
Located within the Cotswold National Landscape (formerly AONB) and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Cleeve Hill Golf Club sits on one of the most spectacular golf courses in England, offering panoramic views across the Severn Valley.
Cllr Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “Cleeve Hill is a very important part of our natural landscape, and The Cotswold Hub has worked hard to transform the public facilities at Cleeve Hill Golf Club to serve a wide range of visitors already. They’ve brought in Flynn’s restaurant and the Cotswold Way café since they rescued the club from the threat of closure in 2021. These new plans show their aspirations for the next chapter. For now, it’s over to the Planning team and consultees to evaluate everything and we await their conclusions.”
The planning application will now be considered by Tewkesbury Borough Council, with further details and timelines to be announced as the process progresses.
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