Golf hotel in Chorley looks set to be turned into new homes

The owner of four star Oak Royal Golf and Country Club Hotel in Withnell says he can no longer run the business as a hotel. Closing it down has become ‘imperative’ to ensure the golf club continues, it has been revealed.

The Bury Lane hotel, which is currently closed, launched in August 2015. It is owned by entrepreneur Charles Downes who says he was already reviewing the hotel and golf course operation due to the financial situation prior to Covid-19.

A planning application for ‘nine residential units’ has been sent to Chorley Council.

The applications also includes the construction of a new golf clubhouse. A planning statement to the council says: “The options for other commercial uses has been seriously considered.

“Therefore, there is no requirement for persons to gather at a central location, potentially for overnight stays and this source of income was steadily declining for the hotel.

“The unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 on the hospitality business basically has wiped out the potential for the hotel to operate as a traditional hotel, with current requirements for social distancing resulting in a massive reduction in the manner in which the business can operate, yet alone make a profit.

“The uncertainty of how the future will be impacted upon by the pandemic is unknown and as clearly demonstrated, there have been and will continue to be, serious job losses everywhere but potentially none more so than in the hospitality section.

“Regretfully, the applicant has decided that there is no alternative but to cease trading and seek a suitable alternative use and it is considered that the property readily lends itself to providing high quality residential accommodation.”

Just six months after opening, the hotel announced plans to expand from 26 to 32 rooms.

Mr Downes, who comes from a farming background, launched the nine hole Oak Royal Golf and Country Club in 2007. It included a restaurant, cafe, clubhouse and fishing lakes.

Mr Downes was contacted for comment.