Golf course to become football training ground

2 days ago

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

South Buckinghamshire Golf Club said it had been given six weeks' notice that half the course would be taken out of play

Buckinghamshire Council One of the putting greens and two bunkers on the golf course, which is dotted with fir trees. In the middle of the photo is a single storey building surrounded by a low hedge, with a car park next to it. — South Buckinghamshire Golf Club said it had been given six weeks' notice that half the course would be taken out of play

Plans to halve the size of a golf course to make way for a League One football club training ground have been criticised by a village community group.

From 1 April, the existing 18-hole South Buckinghamshire Golf Club is scheduled to be reduced to nine holes after Wycombe Wanderers agreed a long-term lease of the course and Farnham Park Playing Fields from Buckinghamshire Council.

The Stoke Poges Task Force said reducing the course weakened "local access to affordable sport".

Wycombe said their investment would "modernise the site, improve accessibility and expand opportunities for sport and community use across the playing fields as well as the golf course".

In a statement, it explained: "As part of this arrangement, we are committing to cover the operating expenses of all the facilities on site. We can also confirm that public footpaths will remain open.

"Over time, subject to planning and full public consultation, we intend to introduce inclusive public facilities, including a community sports hub, multi-use 3G pitches and trim trails."

The taskforce had argued the green belt between Stoke Poges and Farnham Royal existed to prevent urban sprawl and protect the separation between villages.

"A fenced professional academy complex would permanently change the character of this open land," it added.

Wycombe Wanderers train at Marlow Road, next to their Adams Park stadium, but would relocate training to the site near Slough

Wycombe Wanderers The team trains on an outdoor pitch with a blue building in the background. About 9 players wearing pink bibs over blue kit are chasing the ball. — Wycombe Wanderers train at Marlow Road, next to their Adams Park stadium, but would relocate training to the site near Slough

South Buckinghamshire Golf Club said removing nine holes would mean the new layout would "more than likely not have an official course rating any time soon".

It added, without a recognised course rating, formal competitive play and handicap qualifying golf could not take place.

Club Chairman Michael Murphy said members had been given just six weeks' notice that half of the golf course would be taken out of play.

Last year they were assured that the site would remain open as usual during the design and planning process, he said.

"We believe it is important that the impact on the established sporting community is properly taken into account before a drastic decision to let half a golf course effectively go fallow and unused is enacted."

The football club said use of the golf course had declined and was "no longer financially viable".

It added it planned to introduce new facilities such as a driving range and argued the nine-hole format would be "a more flexible way to play".

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