Ilfracombe mini golf revamp will attract much needed visitors

It will be one of only three BMGA accredited courses in South West

Ilfracombe seafront’s 30-year-old mini-golf course is to get a revamp if North Devon planners give the thumbs up.

MC Partnership want to install an additional six holes to their current 12-hole attraction at Victoria Pleasure Grounds and turn it into one of only three British Mini Golf Association (BMGA) accredited courses in the south west.

They also want to replace a payment kiosk and widen pedestrian access to accommodate wheelchair and pram users.

If the planning application is approved, the course will be able to host BMGA tournaments which the applicants say will attract much-needed additional visitors and publicity for the area.

The existing holes are nearing the end of their useable life and are showing significant signs of deterioration, with degrading tarmac and concrete in evidence across much of the site, says MC Partnership.

This application would allow for all the outdated and dysfunctional parts of the course including a water feature to be redesigned, making the facility fully operational once again.

The new course will be designed around local landmarks and interspersed with pollinator-friendly planted holes to encourage biodiversity, adding extra interest.

And drainage will be improved so wet weather doesn’t interfere with operations.

“The focus of this application is to provide a rejuvenated site which will, alongside North Devon Council plans for the seafront promenade area, draw more trade into the town and help Ilfracombe better compete with other attractions in the area,” said the applicants.

“It will also bring the course up to modern day standards with regard to health and safety and disabled accessibility.”

An £87,000 play area was the first project delivered of the Ilfracombe Seafront Masterplan by North Devon Council earlier this year, a series of improvements to public facilities and open space in the area.

New public toilets and a bus shelter east of the Victorian Pleasure Grounds are also being installed.

The public has until until Wednesday 21 August to comment on the plan.