A BID by a Largs councillor to halt the sale of Routenburn clubhouse to the golf club committee was beaten on a casting vote by another local member.

Conservative Councillor Tom Marshall proposed that another independent valuation be made of the historic building which North Ayrshire Council wants to sell to the incumbent club.

Although Mr Marshall was supported by Labour councillor Alex Gallagher the SNP members Alex McLean and Alan Hill backed the planners' agreement with Routenburn. However, it required committee chairman Mr Hill's casting vote.

The Largs golfers are set to purchase the clubhouse for �62,000 with the backing of Euromillionaires Colin and Chris Weir, though council officials have insisted on adding a 'clawback agreement' to the deal.

The clubhouse has been owned by Largs Common Good Fund and leased to the golf club since 1996 under an initial 10 year agreement which has continued on a year-to-year rental basis since 2006 at a rate of �4,500 per annum.

North Ayrshire Council have conducted ongoing discussions with the club since around 2007 and the matter has been raised at various meetings of the North Coast Area Committee.

A council report states: "A benefactor has now advised that they are willing to provide the finance for the club to purchase the premises and, hence, the District Valuer has been asked to provide a valuation of the subjects in their existing condition and use." Corporate Director for Finance and Corporate Support, Laura Friel said: "It is proposed to submit a report to council recommending the disposal of the clubhouse to Routenburn Golf Club for the sum of �62,000, subject to a clawback agreement, phased over a 20 year period, to protect the Common Good interest should planning consent be obtained for an alternative, higher value use." It was thought that ownership of the clubhouse would allow club officials to "apply for funding to improve the facility which will encourage further membership".

At a recent meeting of the North Coast Committee - following discussion over the clubhouse's market value - Councillor Alan Hill, seconded by Councillor Alex McLean, moved that the committee recommend its disposal for the agreed sum.

As an amendment, Councillor Tom Marshall, seconded by Councillor Alex Gallagher, moved that an alternative valuation be sought from the District Valuer, based not on the current use of the clubhouse, but on its development potential.

On a division, two voted for the amendment and two for the motion. However, on the casting vote of the chair, Cllr Hill, the motion was declared carried.

During discussions Councillor Marshall, whose family built a new house adjacent to Routenburn clubhouse, denied that he should declare an interest.

to withdraw that too.

Councillor Hill said, "It was not clear, even after he was questioned on this issue by the Chief Executive, what exactly Cllr Marshall was proposing. A second valuation would have achieved nothing other than a delay in the transfer to the golf club itself.

"I would certainly have been very much against placing this property on the open market and allowing it to possibly fall into private hands. The golf club have agreed to pay the market value and that is a good decision for Largs.

"The decision to sell the clubhouse to Routenburn Golf Club now means that Largs will benefit from a further new and vibrant sports club. Owning their own building will breathe new life into the club and I wish them well with their endeavours."