A PLANNING application has been submitted for the change of use of a commercial building in Burntwood to become an indoor golf facility.
The proposals from Drive In Golf were first revealed last month for the site at Chase Trade Park on Burntwood Business Park.
The business hopes to create five Trackman-powered golf bays which give visitors the chance to play courses from around the world via a 4k simulator.
Now a planning application has been submitted for the alterations by the site's owner LCP Properties, highlighting the need to diversify the use of sites across the 800,000 sq ft of industrial land it owns in the town.
Director Nick Bryson said:
"While the overall occupancy rate is high, in recent years we have seen a decline in the traditional industrial sector.
"Speaking to occupiers, this is driven by rising costs of labour, increases in business rates and energy costs, and more recently the increased tariffs on imports and exports.
"We have therefore diversified the tenant base across the estate with the introduction of occupiers in other sectors, such as children's soft play, a mixed martial arts academy, and a gymnastics club – all of which were granted permission for change of use.
"We have also been granted consent for a padel centre in June 2026, which will be a huge benefit to the site.
"The application building was a new construction, completed in August 2024. It has been marketed from before that date with very little in the way of enquiries.
"Given the current financial climate, we have seen a sharp decline in occupiers of 'start-up' units – the smaller units on site – given the level of risk involved with rising costs and political headwinds.
"The proposed use is for a high-quality golf simulator centre, a strong rising market. The proposed occupier, Drive In Golf, has a successful centre in Derby already and is looking to open facilities nationwide over the coming years."
He added that the desire to create more leisure opportunities for local residents was also a key consideration.
"Our long-standing relationship with both Burntwood Town Council and Lichfield District Council has always said that Burntwood is in need of 'things for people to do'.
"A golf simulator would fall perfectly into that category.
"I truly believe this is a great addition to the site and the local area and is aligned to what the local residents want to see.
"The alternative to not proceeding with the proposed change of use is such that the unit, now vacant, will remain empty for an extended period of time, producing no employment use or benefit to the local area."
Full details can be found on Lichfield District Council's planning website.
