Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club development given approval

The Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club has been granted planning permission for remodelling works to allow the hosting of future championship tournaments.

The grant of permission paves the way for the R&A Open Championship gold competition to return to the course, which will also be welcoming the AIG Women’s Open in 2026.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “The remodelling of the Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Course promises to anchor the club as a major economic asset to Fylde by ensuring its suitability to host prestigious championships for years to come. Research from Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre found that the event generated around £65m in economic benefits to Lancashire when the Open was hosted here in 2012, with £25m of this extra spending being received by the Fylde Coast.’’

“It is notable that the 151st Open, held at the Royal Liverpool in 2023, generated more than £187m in overall economic benefit for the Wirral and the wider Liverpool City Region, a growth of 35% compared to the last event there in 2014.”

The remodelling works will include: a new practice ground and practice tee; building of a new tee on the 14th hole; alterations to reroute the 11th fairway; and works to improve the road system to provide access around the course.

The course sits within a biological heritage site containing important and rare habitat and species. Cllr Richard Redcliffe, Deputy Leader of Fylde Council and Chair of the Planning Committee, said: “On careful consideration, we found the supporting studies and ecological survey work had been undertaken by suitably qualified ecologists, and followed best practice guidance in the survey methodology and mitigation design.

“These studies indicate the alterations to the course can be implemented in a sensitive manner, avoiding any adverse impact on the ecology of the site, whilst introducing and maintaining dune and habitat health.”