Significantly scaled-down plans for the clubhouse by Bathgate-based Macdonald Resorts Ltd were unanimously approved by members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee at their latest meeting in Nethy Bridge on Friday.

Company bosses said that the plans were revised in light of the financial pressures on Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, operators of the course.

The entire complex was earlier this year reported to be losing £10,000 per day and to have debts of £50 million because of the first phase of development.

MAHR Ltd have said that they will be able to carry out a phased expansion of the clubhouse as the reputation of the course, designed by Dave Thomas, continues to grow.

Spey Valley's club pro and director of golf, Alan Tait, who shares the course record at the famous Carnoustie course – regarded as one of the toughest in the world – with Colin Montgomery after he shot a 64 in 1994, has welcomed the go-ahead.

He said that the quality of the clubhouse would be on par with the course, which has been winning some rave reviews. "We expect the clubhouse to be completed by the end of April next year, and to be open in time for the new season," said Mr Tait.

"The most popular sized parties visiting Spey Valley consist of 16 to 20 players, and the new facilities will be more than geared up to meet their needs."

Mr Gerry McGee, managing director of MAHR Ltd, said: "The clubhouse was scaled back because of budgetary issues. The initial costs were extremely high, so our proposal is now to expand the facilities as time goes by.

"We did not feel that there was any real benefit to create such a large dining area in the complex when there are four restaurants already on site for visiting players at the resort, including the nearby Dalfaber Steakhouse."

He added that an increasing proportion of their business was coming from golfers wanting to play Spey Valley, and the feedback was very positive on the course itself.

The new clubhouse will feature a pro's shop; office; male and female changing areas and shower rooms; and the bar, kitchen and lounge, where there is intended to be some limited catering.

A decked viewing area will be constructed on columns over the slope down to the golf course, and a central courtyard is being created between the new building and the old steading, which will be used to house golf buggies. Parking will be provided for 55 cars.

Inverness, Nairn, Badneoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander said that the approval for the clubhouse was very welcome.

"The new course is a very significant addition to the golfing opportunities in the area, and is already attracting attention for high-quality events," he said. "The clubhouse will complete the course, and I hope will enable it to go from strength to strength."

The legal agreement with Seafield Estate states that the new clubhouse has to be started within six months of the planning approval, meaning that work has to start by Boxing Day this year.

The earliest plans for the clubhouse at Spey Valley, approved in 2004, included a clock tower from the former Santa Claus Land in the Aviemore Centre, but that has been dropped from the proposal.

Recommending approval of the plans on Friday, park planner Neil Stewart said: "The revised design reduces the size and scale of the new building considerably. An approximate calculation is that it is now about 30 per cent of the floor area of the 2007 proposal.

"The reduction in the size and scale of the design of the new building does offer a less imposing structure, and I can understand the concern from Aviemore Community Council about the perceived reduction in the importance of the clubhouse in relation to what is promoted as a championship golf course.

"However, the revisions do help address some of the previous concerns raised by representatives and consultees about the impact of the proposal."

The watchdog had written to the planning authority, with secretary Audrey MacKenzie stating: "Naturally we are very disappointed with this 'Alice in Wonderland' treatment of the previous plans, which we feel will result in a building no longer in keeping with the widely advertised championship golf course."

There are currently temporary facilities for visiting golfers in a former office block at Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, including changing facilities, a reception area and pro's shop.

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