MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Golf Club have created their own leaflet, urging people to have their say on the proposed development for the site.
The club’s literature is a direct response to similar leaflets distributed by developer Blenheim Strategic Partners which launched a consultation on the plans.
The proposal for 700 homes was unveiled earlier this month and the developers said responses would help shape the planning application that would be submitted to Bromsgrove District Council.
But, as part of their campaign and in the leaflet, Bromsgrove Golf Club members have pointed out there could be 1,300 properties in total on this land and adjacent land.
And they highlight that 60,000 rounds of golf are played at the centre each year – by the club’s 1,100 members and visitors from across the region.
The thriving Junior Academy is the largest in England ans more than 200 young people enjoy learning to play golf there.
The footgolf area is very popular with families, especially at weekends and during school holidays and the golf range is open 9am to 9pm most days for anyone to use.
With regard to environmental impact, campaigners claim 20,000 mature trees could be lost, spelling disaster for several species, including roe deer, badgers, red kites, buzzards, woodpeckers, and moorhens seen on the course.
The restaurant and bar acts as a community venue, hosting wedding and Christening receptions, anniversary and birthday parties, and other functions.
And 80 jobs within Bromsgrove Golf Centre would be lost, along with revenue for many local businesses which supply items to the club.
Owners answered ‘Call For Sites’
It all began in 2017 when Bromsgrove District Council issued a ‘Call For Sites’.
The owners of the club, citing years of declining membership and fears for the business’ longevity, explored alternatives for and offered up land for potential future development.
The council identified the site as suitable for residential development as part of its local plan consultation and the club’s owners then entered into a long-standing contractual agreement with Blenheim Strategic Partners.
The applicants claim the development will help meet demand for new homes in Bromsgrove and the initial plan stated there would be a mix of starter and family homes, with 50 per cent of them being affordable housing.
Almost 2,900 letters opposing housing development on Bromsgrove Golf Course were submitted to the council in October.
Campaigners also highlight a number of other issues in their leaflet, including increased traffic congestion from ‘another 1,500 cars’ that could be added, risk of flooding from the removal of trees and a lack of leisure facilities.
They add, although the building of a first school is within the proposal, they question what would happen with regard to children who need to attend middle or high school when local ones are already subscribed.
And they ask why there are no additional medical facilities included as a potential extra 2,000+ people would need GP surgeries – again claiming local ones are overstretched.
Lee Machin, Bromsgrove Golf Club’s 2025 Gentlemen’s Club Captain, said: “A growing town needs more leisure facilities, not less.”
And he urged people to have their say in the consultation by visiting: bromsgrovegc.consultationonline.co.uk/ and submitting their views.
Alternatively, email: comments to: [email protected] or call 0800 066 8942.
The deadline for comments in this Thursday, February 26.
