Solent Meads
BCP Council said the end of the lease at the golf course created a natural chance for it to rethink the use of the land
A council says it is still considering keeping golf at a course where more than 8,000 people have signed a petition against any possible plans to change its use.
The lease for Solent Meads in Southbourne, Bournemouth, is due to run out this time next year with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council looking at how the land can be used in the future.
The petition was started to keep the 18-hole course, which has been running for 64 years, that includes footpaths and a cafe, as it is.
It is expected to be discussed by the authority at a cabinet meeting on 17 December.
Liberal Democrat Richard Herrett, BCP’s portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: “We know how much open spaces matter to communities and that’s why we’ll be engaging with residents directly to create a new vision for what can be achieved at Solent Meads and understand how they want to see it used going forwards.
“The end of a lease for the golf course provides a natural opportunity to do this.
“Golf remains an option that will be given full consideration.”
Petitions with 2,000 or more signatures are referred for debate at a meeting of full council where members will be asked to consider it and to determine the next steps.
Councillor Richard Herrett said he wanted to work with residents to “create a new vision” for Solent Meads
BCP Conservative councillor, Toby Slade, said: “It is the only community golf course in the area.
“Over 8,000 people have voiced their concern … I think it’s a good sign and the people will be heard now.”
He added that the council’s “only option is to let nature take its course and turn it into a lovely area… but there’s a lovely area already there”.
“The golf club could and want to invest in it,” he said. “Why can’t they be left to get on with it?”
Golf For All, which has run the site via a lease since 2003, said 20,000 golfers used the site every year and it was a “viable business”.
It said it believed Solent Meads should stay open as a golf course, whether it runs it or a new operator takes over.
Colin Baker, secretary of Hengistbury Residents’ Association, said: “It’s been there for over 60 years and there’s no reason at all why the council should be closing it.
“I think some people have this view that golf is an exclusive sport and it is only for members, but actually Solent Meads is exactly the opposite – anybody can go on that course. There’s a network of footpaths… there’s a café – it’s open to all.”
The golf course is one of three areas along with Erlin Farm and nature reserve Millhams Mead earmarked for improvements aimed at boosting nature and community use.
The council said there were no plans for housing or any other form of mass development at the sites.
