Plans to improve drainage at Whitehaven Golf Course

An application to make phased alterations to the 18-hole golf course in Whitehaven over the next 15 years, has been submitted to Copeland Council.

Improvements would include alterations to ground levels, creating additional planting areas to replace the existing ones and improving drainage.

The plans have been put forward by Western Lakes Ltd, which owns the 77 hectare-site at Red Lonning.

More than £5million has already been invested into Whitehaven golf course, with a new clubhouse, a 12-bay golf driving range with pro shop and teaching bay, and improvements to the course with planting, drainage, a new second hole and upgraded bunkers.

However, there are issues with the physical condition of the site, which has a "critical influence on playability", the plans say.

A planning statement submitted with the application says: "Impeded drainage on most fairways means that in times of high rainfall and during the period October to March the course is unplayable.

"To add to this, much of the wooded areas on site which were planted following opencast operations were inserted via a 'ridge and furrow' method meaning they are impenetrable by players trying to find balls and are unable to be accessed by machinery for maintenance purposes. These areas also suffer impeded drainage.

"The restrictions on play caused by drainage issues and impenetrable planted areas have affected membership and restricts serious play to summer months. Even that can be interrupted by periods of heavy rainfall."

The proposed alterations would improve the quality of the setting of the fairways, and deal with the current drainage issues.

Each phase will incorporate new and re-established woodland to increase course setting and eliminate the current problems.

It would be intended to maintain an 18 hole offer throughout the works period and the driving range, pro-shop and clubhouse will remain open at all times.