Whitstable golf club has secured a lifeline after it sensationally won permission to build three homes and “extend millionaires’ row”.

Planning approval for new houses on the club’s land fronting prestigious Island Wall will lead to funding for a new clubhouse.

Malcolm Kent, speaking on behalf of the club, told the city council’s planning committee that new facilities were needed to lure in a new generation of members.

“By refusing planning permission the council is potentially condemning our club to an uncertain future.

“The benefits of this are huge. The houses built would pay for the new clubhouse.”

Without this lifeline the fortunes of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club could mirror those of Herne Bay Golf Club which closed and was sold off for housing development, he said.

Planning officers had recommended refusal of the application for the residential houses and a new club house.

Opinion was divided among planning committee members over the officers’ advice.

Cllr Nick Eden-Green said the gold club was protected land and that they were therefore prevented from granting approval.

“It’s not just public open space, this is protected open space. Rules is rules[sic],” he said.

Tory councillor Ashley Clark agreed.

He said: “It’s a difficult decision. I find myself on the side of Cllr Eden-Green. We have to draw a line.

“There must be other ways. This is a dive for what becomes an extension to millionaires’ row.”

Island Wall is one of the town’s most desirable roads with prices soaring over the last decade.

Cllr Rosemary Doyle said the club’s future outweighed the open space argument.

“It may be protected open space but if the golf club closed it may not be open space at all,” she said.

“It may then go the same way as Herne Bay Golf Club.”

A proposal to refuse permission was lost by four votes to seven. An amended proposal to grant was then won by seven to four.

The amended vote attached delegated powers to council officers to demand open space be freed up elsewhere for that which is lost.