The main terms of a new lease agreement with Winterfield Golf Club in Dunbar were agreed at Tuesday’s full meeting of East Lothian Council.
The club buildings, including St Margaret’s Clubhouse, are currently held in Common Good. Last year the club expressed a desire to explore the feasibility of taking over full operational control of Winterfield, including those functions undertaken by the council and Enjoy Leisure.
A new 40-year lease is proposed which will transfer responsibility for the management and maintenance of the property and course to the club. Under the Community Empowerment Act (2015) a 12 week consultation period is now required following approval at council.
The club held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to put the Heads of Terms to its membership. In a subsequent vote, 321 members were in favour and eight against, a 97.6 per cent majority confirming their support.
Consultation period required
Due to commercially confidential factors, a report regarding the proposals was considered by elected members in private before they voted in favour of the Heads of Terms.
It is proposed that the new lease will be effective from 1 April 2025.
Cllr Colin McGinn, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “We are pleased to be working with Winterfield Golf Club towards a new lease agreement.
“The golf club members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the lease, and we have every confidence in their ability to ensure this wonderful course is an asset for the community for years to come.”