Plans to demolish a Victorian-era clubhouse at Boldon Golf Club are officially scrapped

They say they have officially withdrawn their bid to bulldoze the building at Boldon Golf Club, following growing opposition from members.

Hebburn-based construction firm Castle had wanted to build six townhouses with views of the fairway on the same spot and construct a new clubhouse for members close by.

Company boss Tony Lister, who was also chairman of the sports club until his resignation in May, had claimed the existing premises were no longer fit for purpose.

He insisted redevelopment was essential to maintaining the club’s position as a vibrant sporting venue – and Castle's proposals were submitted to South Tyneside Council in March.

The scheme initially found favour with members at the Dipe Lane site, in East Boldon, and they voted to give it the go-ahead.

But a subsequent groundswell of opposition led to a rethink and a 12-month block on its progression was agreed at an emergency general meeting in May.

Following that, Mr Lister insisted Castle’s plans remained in place and described them as being “live”.

But he has now confirmed they have been dumped.

He gave no reason for his company’s change of heart, saying only: “The plans have been withdrawn. I’ve put it back in their court.”

Documents on South Tyneside Council’s planning portal also show the scheme has been withdrawn – and council bosses confirmed the move.

When contacted, club officials said they were unaware of Castle’s exit from the project and would not comment further.

Mr Lister had previously denied a conflict of interest between his then position as club chairman and his same role with Castle.

He confirmed he had removed himself from a decision-making process that had seen Castle appointed as preferred developer.

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The clubhouse development proposal included building a bar of the same size as currently exists and installing male and female lockers.

Baby change facilities, improved access for the disabled and new staff offices, would also have been put in place.

However, the club’s professional golfing shop would have been lost and not recreated.