Joining the signatories of over 1,300 Swindonians against the proposed development at the Broome Manor golf course is local MP Robert Buckland.
Speaking ahead of the proposals for floodlit football pitches and high wire adventure golf course going in front of the Swindon Borough Council planning committee meeting next Tuesday the 13th of September he said he is ‘extremely concerned’ that should these plans go ahead Swindon will lose a much needed golf facility.
At the time of writing 1,315 names have joined the online petition to ‘Save Swindon’s 9 hole golf course at Broome Manor’
Setting up the petition, Nigel Wright said ‘the aim of this petition is to raise the required number of 1500 signatures to ensure the council must debate the topic with the aim of having the council instruct the planning department to reject the application.’
Robert Buckland’s Objection in Full:
I am extremely concerned that instead of improving and expanding upon this site, the proposed development will result in the loss of a much needed and well used golfing facility here in Swindon.
The nine-hole course is a very useful entry point for junior golfers taking up the sport, as well as recreational use for more senior residents, the less able and those who have limits on their time, particularly during the winter months. Especially as the complex is the only facility for golf in Swindon.
I am concerned that the loss of the nine-hole golfing option would have an extremely detrimental effect on a large user group and does not promote inclusion.
I am also concerned that although some of the proposed development falls within the town development boundary, not all of it does.
It is vital that we maintain the green buffer zone of Broome Manor and Coate Water for the benefit of future generations of Swindon residents.
The proposed football pitches with artificial surfaces, high fencing and top netting would result in the current open aspect of the Broome Manor Site being destroyed and have a negative impact on the nearby landscape. Furthermore, no assessment has been provided to indicate the need or viability of football pitches, either now, or when they were outlined in the original business proposal to Swindon Borough Council in 2014.
A comparison should be provided of the income from the existing nine-hole golf course and the proposed football pitches. Development costs should also be taken into consideration versus maintenance of the three golf holes. This should also include evidence that there is sufficient demand and paying users for the football pitches to maintain them.
I am also concerned that drainage does not appear to have been taken into consideration and the runoff from the pitches may result in increased drainage problems as a result.
The American Golf Shop is two storeys high and is visible, the proposed three-storey driving range will be even more clearly visible and unsightly. The structure of the proposed driving range is also oversized and will look out of character with the 2-storey clubhouse.
The very high fences required to protect users from stray golf balls along with the raised driving range will also reduce the open course views from the existing clubhouse.
The repositioning of the adventure golf, petanque and high rope course is also of concern. I am unsure that sufficient space has been provided on the plans. Furthermore, it could impact the play of the final hole of the 18-golf course due to proximity with the new left-hand bunker.
I am concerned that from a safety point of view, despite the proposed high netting, adventure golf would expose users to the hazard of stray shots from the 18th fairway and the driving range causing injury to users.
The proposals do not appear to take into consideration the increase in traffic and additional parking required.
Furthermore, there would be a requirement for additional changing facilities which these proposals also do not appear to have taken into consideration.
In conclusion, the proposed development would result in the loss of much needed golfing facilities for many of my constituents including juniors, adult beginners and the less able and the elderly, who rely on the sport to stay fit. This would have a detrimental impact on the local community and does not promote inclusion.”
