Plans to enhance the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Club have been submitted to the Department of Planning.

The application proposes an extension to the existing bar on the property, along with a new, smaller pro shop and golf pro office on the building’s ground floor.

According to the application, the club had found over its years of operation that the existing pro shop is unnecessarily large while both the club bar and lounge are too small and congested.

“The intent is to create a comfortable lounge atmosphere appropriate for club members,” the application states.

“The lounge was extended after completion of the main building, but is still inadequate and has an oppressively low ceiling. This addition will be demolished and replaced by a larger addition with increased bar, increased members lounge, relocated pro shop and office, plus a small store room and internal corridor to existing washrooms.”

The extension will also create a new terrace and outdoor dining area for Blu Restaurant, while the existing pro shop and golf pro office on the building’s first floor would be modified into a new lounge and private dining area for the restaurant.

Also included in the application is a veranda along the northwestern frontage to remove the need for umbrellas and temporary tents in the area during special tournaments.

Belmont Hills and Newstead were purchased last year by US business tycoon Larry Doyle — who also uses the former Lantana property — announcing plans for a new clubhouse for the golf course and additional rooms at Newstead.

While it has not been reveals how much he paid for the properties, it is believed the sum could have been as high as $18 million.

The planning application is currently available to view at the Department of Planning headquarters in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.