JCB golf course plan gets the green light

Company’s £30 million championship golf course scheme unanimously approved by East Staffs planners

PLANS for a new £30 million golf course to help JCB boost sales and build global awareness of their brand have been given the go-ahead by planners.

Members of East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Planning Applications Committee this week unanimously approved the scheme for a spectacular 18-hole, 7,150 yards, Par 72 championship golf course centre on 240 acres of rolling countryside to the south of JCB’s World HQ in Rocester.

Commenting on the decision, JCB’s group property director, Alan Thomson, said: ‘We are delighted that the golf course project has been given approval. It is good news for JCB and even better news for Staffordshire because of the very positive impact this scheme will have on the local and regional economy.’

Initial works are now expected to start in the Autumn and, after a planned suspension during the winter months, earthmoving and landscaping will recommence in 2015. Play will start on the course in 2018, when it is expected that up to 100 people will be employed in ground care and hospitality roles.