Plans to build homes on golf course spark fears of closure

Historic North Oxford Golf Club will close its doors for the final time at the end of this month to make way for 1,180 homes, bringing to an end a legacy spanning almost 120 years, and fears have been sparked that a similar fate could befall another course less than 30 miles away.

Shrivenham Park Golf Club, near Swindon, has been targeted by developers Bloor Homes, who have revealed plans to create a new community facility, community parkland and potentially as many as 200 homes on the land that has been occupied by the club since the late 1960s. 

It was opened in considerable fanfare by former Open champion Max Faulkner, winner of the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in 1951, who was accompanied by his son in law, Ryder Cup star Brian Barnes.

However, the future of this club could now be in doubt.

This is Oxfordshire reports that Bloor Homes has submitted a second screening opinion request with Vale of White Horse District Council and this process is currently at the consultation stage.

According to the developers, who state that 75% of the site would be a green, open space for public use, the land is a "sustainable and suitable location to provide much-needed new community facilities and homes."

(Image Credit: Shrivenham Park Golf Club)

It's fair to say that the golf course itself is a key participant in this whole discussion and the club has released an empathic public statement that makes their intentions clear.

"It has been brought to our attention that Bloor Homes are starting the planning application process again to build 200 homes on the golf club land.

"As some might be aware, we have been through this situation before (about seven years ago) and the permission did not go through.

"Shrivenham Park Golf Club is powered by the local community as well as our members that come from further afield.

"We have no plans to close and will remain open as long as we are able to operate.

"Your support is, as always, greatly appreciated."

Despite a considerable boom in participation numbers throughout the country in recent years, several venues in England have closed, with property development being one of the chief factors behind those closures.

North Oxford will soon be lost to the local community and it's to be hoped that no further losses will be seen in this region, with Shrivenham Park facing the prospect of a major threat to its existence looming in the horizon.