21/05/08

Plans to transform the crumbling Ury House in Stonehaven into a multimillion-pound hotel and golf resort have been unanimously backed by councillors.

Members of Kincardine and Mearns area committee this week endorsed the £40million development at Ury Estate
The decision will see the ruined Ury House converted into a hotel with leisure facilities and a golf course designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.

Stonehaven is to become home to only the second Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Scotland. The golfing legend, the winner of 18 golf majors has promised to create a beautiful course covering around 160 acres of the Mearns countryside.

The family firm Nicklaus Design has already designed 315 courses in 30 countries with 58 ranked in various national and international top – 100 lists.

The project is to be cross-funded by the creation of 230 homes in four hamlets dotted around the estate.

Last month, councillors decided a site visit to the estate was needed after hearing representations from the public.
Richard Milne, director of project developers FM Developments, welcomed the outcome yesterday.

“Today’s decision demonstrates the elected officials’ foresight in appreciating how our vision for Ury Estate will benefit not only Stonehaven community but also the region’s economy to the tune of tens of millions of pounds,” he said.

“For more than three years FM Developments has listened to the local community and continued to work closely with the relevant authorities on its vision for Ury Estate to bring much-wanted housing, hotel accommodation and leisure facilities to the area.”

Stonehaven Community Council chairman David Fleming said: “The hard work of FM Developments have come away with a ringing endorsement from the community.

The outline plans for 230 houses will now be referred to Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee for approval. The mansion house, adjoining hotel annexe and golf lodges do not require to be considered further.