GOLF lovers may score a new ace after an application was made to create a new urban centre for the game.
And the people behind the Puttstars proposal believe it would provide a welcome jobs boost, with all employees coming from the area.
Tameside Council has received an application to knock down what was the Eat Inn Chinese buffet restaurant at Ashton Moss.
It would then be replaced by a new 12,00 sq ft unit which would house the urban golf centre.
Documents supporting the plan state it would deliver 40 ‘full-time equivalent’ jobs, saying: “The development will secure the long term occupation of the unit, contributing to economic growth.
“The proposed development will deliver significant investment into the local economy and will not lead to a significant adverse impact on Ashton town centre. Rather it will complement the retail focus.
“Puttstars typically recruits from the local area, meaning that the majority of the new jobs will be available to those living in Tameside and the wider area.”
If approved, the development would see 11 car parking spaces lost from the Ashton Moss site and a new electricity substation will also be built.
Puttstars is owned by the Hollywood Bowl Company, which operates the bowling alley next to the proposed site of the urban golf centre.
After being launched in 2020, there are currently three existing centres across the north of England in York, Rochdale and Leeds.
The closest, in Rochdale, is approximately a 30-minute drive away, and bosses wanted a new facility to serve the east Manchester area.
And it is claimed placing it there will mean sharing suppliers and staff, while injecting new life into the area.
Documents add: “The building has been designed to rejuvenate the Leisure Park by providing a vibrant, iconic building.
“The building design is striking and modern and raises the tone of the architecture on the park, whilst allowing the tenant to express their brand.
“The existing building on the site is not suitable or capable of conversion to the proposed use and is of poor architectural quality.
“The scheme replaces the vacant unit with an exciting family orientated offer to re-invigorate and enhance the existing facilities within the park.
“A stimulating frontage and entrance aim is to attract interest.”
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.