From one Surrey club in trauma to one whose traumas are nearly over. Last week Mole Valley District Council Planning Committee approved a final revision of plans for Cherkley Court.

The owners of the 375 acre green belt site near Leatherhead which houses the former stately home of press baron Lord Beaverbrook have undergone lengthy court battles. After public opposition backed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England which led to construction being stopped in 2013, last year these reached the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court which finally gave them the go ahead to develop the site.

The 18 hole golf course is designed by Tom Watson. The house has been converted into a luxury hotel and spa. Planning permission was granted on the basis that there would be 200 new jobs created for local people and the grounds would remain open for the public to visit. The latest October meeting showed that developers Longshot had spoken with prospective members who will use the golf course and they had chosen to change focus to make the club more efficient and family orientated. The course, which is built on chalk, will have the advantage of draining easily making it open all the time for winter golf.