A Kinross-shire golf club has pleaded for permission to sell land to safeguard its future.
The course employs a full-time steward and two greenkeepers and money from the sale would ensure their jobs.
Mr Henderson said: “Sale of the land in question would provide a much-needed financial boost and would allow new investment including course improvements, new equipment and long-overdue clubhouse maintenance.
“The extra funds would also safeguard the continued employment of essential staff.”
He added: “The committee have always taken the view that selling off assets might not necessarily be in the best interest of the club.
“Although the land in question has been looked at by various developers in the past, the club has managed to resist accepting any offers made.
“However, the current economic climate has forced the committee to refocus on the long-term wellbeing of the club and selling a small section of ground not currently in use would provide a more than acceptable way forward.”
According to their statement, the land would be ideal for three- or four-house plots and affordable housing.
It states there is no history of flooding and building houses there would solve an ongoing issue regarding the derelict land.
A local architect has been appointed to submit an outline planning application on behalf of the club.
The main issues report is the document prepared by the council to set out the future of land-use planning issues within the area.
It contains general proposals for development, particularly where development should and should not occur, and sets out alternatives including where they differ from existing plans.
Over 1200 responses were received during the consultation and will inform the local development plan, due by the end of the year.
Milnathort Golf Club wants Perth and Kinross Council to rezone a parcel of land to the south of the clubhouse to allow its sale to developers.
In a response to the council’s main issues report, the club committee’s Colin Henderson said the sale would provide vital funds and safeguard jobs.
The nine-hole course has 550 members and celebrated its centenary last year.
Mr Henderson said: “Unfortunately the ongoing financial climate has made it exceedingly difficult for the club to function as it would like.
“A combination of increased running costs and a drop in income are preventing basic clubhouse and course improvements from taking place.
“Although the club continually manages to attract new members each year, the downturn in the financial market is clearly responsible for a reduction in membership renewals.
“It is estimated the club will lose approximately 40 members this year.”
He added: “Yearly expenditure is carefully planned in advance and usually kept in line with the income generated from membership fees, visitors to the course and bar sales.
“Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to plan for some of the unexpected costs associated with running a club of this size.”
Mr Henderson said: “As membership numbers fall and income reduces, existing members are often asked to absorb any shortfall with increases to annual membership fees being applied.
“This action can often result in a double negative with even more members deciding not to renew at the start of each season.
“The committee has therefore been looking at various options to address the current financial situation while trying to avoid the need to look solely to the existing membership to cover the expected deficit each year.”
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