Plans to extend leisure offering at Ramside Hall Hotel set to progress

Ramside Estates’ plans to “significantly improve” the leisure offer at the four star Ramside Hall Hotel with new facilities at the golf course and clubhouse look set for approval.Located on the outskirts of Durham city, the hotel comprises 127 bedrooms and suites with views across 350 acres of private grounds.Across the last ten years, a number of improvements have been implemented at the site, including the creation of its popular two-storey spa facilities, the redevelopment of the ballroom facilities and, more recently, the development of ten woodland lodges.During this time, the golf course and clubhouse have been largely untouched.Under new plans, which will be discussed by Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee, the business would extend the clubhouse and driving range to provide a two-storey driving range with “state of the art ball tracing technology”.Also included is a six lane bowling alley, professional golf academy, function room and improved kitchen facilities.A planning, design and access statement said that the scheme has been “carefully considered over an extended period to ensure it is a sensitive extension to the existing building and facilities within the existing driving range”.It added: “The development will increase the hotel and the wider tourism offer within County Durham.”If implemented, 12 jobs could be created including receptionists, catering staff and maintenance staff.The scheme will go before committee on Tuesday 11 June with the recommendation for approval.