But Dumfries and Galloway Council officers have also been asked to provide potential alternative uses for the common good land.
Those options are to be shared at the Lockerbie and Lochmaben Common Good Meeting on February 24, unless ‘any further progress on a new lease agreement’ between the council and golf club can be thrashed out.
However, the club say work has started on their plan and they are confident it will be accepted.
A termination notice was issued to the club on March 29 this year, with an option for them to negotiate a new lease agreement with the council.
The club has since expressed a desire to find a resolution to the termination and submit a proposal for a new lease going forward.
Vice captain Gary Burgess said yesterday he believed the club has until the end of May to come up with a business plan for the committee.
He said: “We were served notice
on the lease, but we are confident the business plan we are working on will be accepted.
“We have got until the end of May to get it sorted.
“We’ve had a good year, despite coronavirus. The course is in excellent condition, we’ve had lots of visitors and the captain’s day went very well.”
A report on the matter was presented to councillors on Tuesday and detailed the support and guidance already given to Lockerbie Golf Club regarding their proposal submission.
It read: “This has included providing guidance on developing a business plan, the club’s longer-term future, sustainability, diminishing their arrears, community consultation and funding opportunities.
“Further advice was provided via the form of Community Asset Transfer information which would give the club a sense of format of a proposal including developing a business plan.”
The report further stated that the club ‘had initiated the process of preparing a business plan but: “The club further conveyed that a mixture of holidays, good weather and visitors on the course were slowing down progress with a proposal.
“At the time of writing this report, no further updates have been received nor a proposal received with regards to seeking a new lease agreement.”
Speaking yesterday, Common Good Committee chairman Cllr Stephen Thompson explained that the land has previously been assessed for value in terms of agriculture, and the rent was set based on what was ‘best value’ for the Common Good.
He said: “We can’t do no rent because then we are not getting best value. The ground is there for the benefit of the residents of Lockerbie, and with no rent coming in there is no benefit for those who do not play golf.
“We have in the past agreed to grant the golf club a concessionary rent, but due to difficulties that was not forthcoming.
“I would hope to see something from the club, because otherwise it would leave the council in a position where they will have to explore other options.
“If there is nothing coming from the club, then we have to respect the termination notice.
“Then we would see what the options are and decide what one to go for. But those things take time and it should all be clear and transparent.”
