A north-east golfing supplies shop could be transformed into a restaurant as its owners battle to escape from the rough.
Berryhill Driving Range, on the outskirts of Peterhead, offers golfers a place to practice their swings throughout the year in one of its 10 driving bays.
But its owner, Duncan Reid, has now lodged a planning application with Aberdeenshire Council and explained that the rest of the business is struggling to turn a profit.
In addition to the driving range, Berryhill has an in-house golfing supplies shop which Mr Reid is bidding to convert into a dining area.
It is hoped that, if approved, the range can become sustainable.
Longside surveyors KL Reid Associates has submitted the plans on Mr Reid’s behalf. And, in its statement submitted alongside the application, a spokesman for the firm revealed seating and tables would be provided for up to 60 people within the range when the scheme is completed.
He added: “The financial viability and profitability of the existing golf shop is presently not sustainable and the applicant is seeking to re-configure the business model to ensure the long-term future of the overall facility.
“The proposal is to retain the golf driving range but reconfigure and extend the existing retail areas to accommodate a cafe or restaurant area with seating.”
Berryhill also offers an outdoor putting green for golfers to practice their short game.
However, this is earmarked to make way for a children’s play area if plans to convert the main building into an eatery are approved.
Members of the public have until June 26 to comment on the proposal on the council’s website.
The local authority’s flood prevention unit has no objection to the scheme.
Nick Rae, a civil engineer at the service, said: “We are satisfied with the level of flood risk associated with this development.”
He added that any new parking area should not be created with a material such as tarmac which would allow water to pool.
