Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has approved a pre-application notice for the relocation of Balmoral Golf Club to a new site on Ballylesson Road.

The move would see the club depart its current home on Belfast's Lisburn Road for a purpose-built course approximately four miles away. The existing site is expected to be redeveloped for residential use.

The new course has been designed by former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. He has described it as a classic and timeless layout that works with the natural contours of the land and follows a minimalist philosophy.

Developers Merrion Property Group said the proposal represents a significant investment in the area and will create a new amenity for the south Belfast community. The group has launched an online consultation on the plans.

The course is to be built to Golf Environment Organization standards with a strong focus on sustainability, the developer said. The plans also include the transformation and extension of the listed New Grove House into a clubhouse, preserving its historic character.

A spokesman for Merrion said the development is expected to boost tourism, deliver local jobs and integrate biodiversity into the proposals. The new site is understood to have been purchased for around £3 million.

Councillor Pat Catney, speaking in council chambers, described the proposal as a very interesting development of a world-class facility for the district.

No date has been set for a full planning application.