Ambitious Plans for Bowood

Plans have been unveiled to build a 120-room hotel, with extensive conference, health and leisure facilities, at Bowood in Wiltshire and to extend the existing 18-hole golf course on the estate by a further nine holes.

Plans for the multi-million-pound development have been submitted to North
Wiltshire District Council following consultations with council officials and
representatives of English Heritage and the Garden History Society. The hotel plans renew a scheme that was granted outline planning permission in 1989 but had to be shelved shortly afterwards due to the subsequent recession although the golf course was still built and opened in 1992.

"The long-term plan was to build a quality hotel with a golf facility," said Lord Lansdowne, owner of Bowood Estate. "This proposed development enhances the plans that were approved 11 years ago and fulfils the original objective.

"We are in negotiations with several leading hoteliers to build and run this
four-star operation. It is a prestigious development that will bring significant economic benefits to North Wiltshire as well as securing the long-term future of Bowood."

The additional nine-hole loop has been designed by former Ryder Cup player
David Thomas, who was responsible for the original layout.

"Bowood is already ranked in the top 50 of Europe's golf courses," said head professional Max Taylor. "This development will enhance that position and enable us to attract major international tournaments while continuing to provide top-class
facilities for our members who are the lifeblood of the club."