Mrs. Forman's Follow Up: Last Day To Be Heard

The original concept of leveling golf's most important snack bar, 19th hole and gathering spot was shelved and a new application was quietly submitted.

Unfortunately, as Mungo Park notes, the deadline is February 25th for letters to oppose the new plans to change the infamous wall behind the 4th green, alter the historic building (arguably top 3 most vital in shaping the game), and impact the course by forcing safety measures to be taken.

Park, an architect and descendant of Musselburgh's first family of golf (and therefore, one of golf's first families), has outlined the issues with the latest application. Here are his thoughts followed by an email address to write to:

The second application has just been submitted as expected. This is a much more extensive development of the site; it involves part demolition of the garden wall, to lower its height and put railings on so that the residents can enjoy the view.

We oppose this application on four counts: -

1/ Inappropriate over-development of a historic site
Mrs Forman’s, its garden and Mrs Forman’s green present an iconic view at the east end of the course, which is significant in golf history. It has important tourism potential.

2/ Demolition of the east side of Mrs Forman’s, which is the oldest part of the building
This part of the building is probably the remaining section of the stable block to Blucher Hall, which preceded the pub in the 18th century.

3/ Part demolition of the garden wall on two sides
The historic view of Mrs Forman’s and its boundary wall from the course and the road, which has featured in so many pictures of the Links, will be lost.

4/ Damaging effects on Musselburgh Old Course
It is likely that the safety risk posed to the new dwellings by the golf course will require East Lothian District Council to erect a high protective netting or modify the course. Either would have significant detrimental effects on two signature holes of the Old Course, namely ‘Mrs Forman’s’ and ‘Sea Hole’.

As before we have put together a case to oppose the site’s inappropriate development. We feel that it should remain as a pub, or become a public facility that tells the story of Musselburgh’s important place in the history of men’s and women’s golf.

There are planning policy reasons why East Lothian should refuse this second application, which I have itemised in a separate report to them. These do not need to be repeated in every letter, but a large number of letters objecting should ensure this application called in by the Committee, and hopefully refused. We can then talk to the owners about its future.

Please head your letter: -
‘16/00059/P   Alteration and Change of Use from pub / restaurant / manager’s flat to 1 house, erection of 2 houses and associated works, 2 Ravensheugh Road, Musselburgh East Lothian EH21 7PP’

The last date for submission of letters or emails on this application is 25th February. Once again we are hoping to get as many letters of opposition to the planners before then.

If you are able to oppose this application one last time, please do so. A template follows below.

Thank you,

Mungo Park, Neil Laird, David Hamilton

NB it is important that you refer in your letter to the application number 16/00059/P so that your comments can be included in the right case file.

environment@eastlothian.gov.uk

Planning Department, John Muir House
Brewery Park
Haddington
East Lothian
EH41 3HA.

Attn Ms Stephanie McQueen

Dear Ms McQueen,

Application No 16/00059/P
‘Alteration and Change of Use from pub / restaurant / manager’s flat to 1 house, erection of 2 houses and associated works, 2 Ravensheugh Road, Musselburgh East Lothian EH21 7PP’

I write to oppose the above application for the following reasons:

I believe that the application contravenes the following Planning Policies, as set out in the Local Plan:

C8: Damage to Musselburgh Old Golf Course and its setting;
ENV1 & DP7: Section 3, retention of boundary features and Section 4 retention of important physical features;
DP14: Trees on and near development sites;
DP16: Development in areas at risk of flooding (as shown on SEPA Floodmap).

A number of other policies and vision statements also apply to this proposal, in particular those relating to tourism, historical sites and local natural and built environment and heritage.

Musselburgh Old Course and Mrs Forman’s are historically significant for the following reasons: -
1)   Musselburgh Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world in continuous use.
2)   It was the scene of Open Championships in 1874, 1877, 1880, 1883, 1886 and 1889.
3)   The town was one of the two most important centres in the history of early golf before the first world war.
4)   Mrs. Forman’s is one of the oldest golf pubs in the world.
5)   It has been central to the history of golf for the 194 years since it was built.
6)   The right hand section of the pub is a much older structure, probably 18th century, and pre-dating Mrs Forman’s. Its demolition would be a significant loss of a historic structure.
7)   The building and boundary wall are important to the continued image and reputation of the Old Course and town of Musselburgh.
8)   Mrs Forman’s is known and valued by golfers throughout the world.
9)   The application is inaccurate in its omission of trees and a flood risk assessment.

No change of use should be allowed until all avenues to retain Mrs Forman’s as a facility for public use or benefit have been pursued.

I urge the Committee to refuse this application, so that this unique asset from Musselburgh’s remarkable golfing history is not lost.