The Friends of Windmill Hill Golf Course have started a petition opposing the plans to build a massive SportsHub in Far Bletchley.
Private developers Evolve Project Management want to replace the current 18-hole golf course, owned by Milton Keynes Council, with a new SportsHub.
The proposal includes indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a golf centre, new golf course layout, a cricket centre, a gymnastics centre, a learner swimming pool, a soft play centre, and a coffee outlet.
Many residents oppose these plans, and so far, the petition already has over 850 signatures.
Iain Layden, Member of the Friends of Windmill Hill Golf Course and the person who is coordinating the petition, said: "Local residents want to see investment in the golf course. But this should be focussed on improving the existing 18-hole course to make it more attractive to a ‘cradle to grave’ player base. I have spoken to many golfers who play at Windmill Hill, and the overwhelming view is that the proposed 9-hole and 9-hole par-3 courses would be a poor substitute for a full 18-hole golf course.
"The proposed additional sports facilities should be distributed around Milton Keynes. Concentrating all these sports facilities in one area – and with a hotel and houses as well – will lead to a huge increase in traffic. This is an area which is also facing several substantial housing developments. If everything goes ahead, we will be looking at more than 5,000 houses close to the A421."
Those who are signing the petition are saying that:
- The golf course should not be sold or leased to any private developer.
- Windmill Hill Golf Course should remain as a municipal 18-hole course.
- Investment should be made in the Golf Course, focussed on improving the existing course and clubhouse, to make it more attractive to a "cradle to grave" player base.
- The site should remain unfenced, as it has for 40 years.
- If a case is proven to justify the new sports facilities, these should be distributed around Milton Keynes in sites already earmarked for sports pavilions to minimise traffic congestion.
Mr Layden continued: "We are also concerned about the environmental damage during the construction phase, and the loss of green open space and biodiversity. We have several protected species on the site. Many people walk their dogs on the golf course, but now Evolve want to fence off the site – although it has been publicly accessible for over 40 years.
"We encourage all concerned residents to sign this petition, to let Milton Keynes know that we want them to think again about this.”
Residents have also been invited by Evolve Project Management to share their thoughts. A statement released on behalf of the developers said: "Evolve want to find out what people in Milton Keynes think about the scheme before any formal planning process is commenced."
A four week consultation period will end this Saturday (14/3). You can share comments with the developers by clicking here.
The petition will be submitted to MK Council on 16th March 2020, and formally presented in the MK Council Chambers at their meeting on 18th March at 7.30pm.
If you wish to sign the petition, you can access it here.
