Following a campaign by community groups and residents against plans to relocate a pitch-and-putt golf course to Down Grange, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is now considering an alternative.

A campaign was launched after the council proposed building the six-hole course, with a pod-style driving range, at Down Grange, as a replacement for the current facility at Basingstoke Golf Centre, which is likely to be turned into a 500-bedroom hotel and water park resort.

Proposals for a pod-style driving range and adventure golf course at Basingstoke Leisure Park will be taken forward as part of plans to re-provide facilities currently at Basingstoke Golf Centre.

A petition garnered more than 6,000 signatures opposing the proposed development at Down Grange, mounting pressure on BDBC’s cabinet, which has now announced it is seeking an alternative location. However, the question of where the new pitch-and-putt course will go remains up in the air.

Campaigners against building new golf facilities at Down Grange spoke at a recent council meeting. (Image: Sean Dillow)

In January, the cabinet decided to investigate Down Grange and the leisure park as possible new homes for the golf facilities, including a pitch-and-putt course, driving range and adventure golf course.

This came after the council agreed a conditional land deal in July 2024 for Great Wolf Resorts to build an indoor water park resort on the Basingstoke Golf Centre site next to the Leisure Park. Facilities at the golf centre would remain open until the Great Wolf development progresses, subject to planning permission.

Since the decision was taken, proposals for re-providing the facilities have been explored, including a six-hole pitch-and-putt course on an area south of Down Grange House and locations for a golf training and practice pod to replace the current driving range on a smaller scale.

Following discussions with sports bodies and extensive engagement with Down Grange clubs, the wider community and golf centre users, proposals for the Leisure Park will be considered by BDBC’s cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday, January 6.

This would see a golf-pod style driving range and 18-hole adventure golf course created on unused land overlooking Churchill Way West, subject to planning permission.

BDBC says it will continue to consider “the right longer-term location for a new pitch-and-putt course.” Councillors on the Resident Services Committee will review the investigation work carried out to date and share their views on how a new pitch-and-putt course could be best provided in the borough for the future.

The recommendations from the committee will be considered as part of the report taken to cabinet in January 2026.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture, Cllr Kerry Morrow, said: “Exploring options to re-provide these important golf facilities has been challenging and hearing everyone’s views has been vital in shaping our thinking.

“People have told us how much they value Down Grange, and we’ve also heard passionate stories on how the golf centre nurtures local talent and helps people to stay active and healthy.

“Back in January, we promised that we would reserve land at the Leisure Park to explore options, and we have been progressing this work alongside investigating Down Grange to find a solution that works for everybody.

 “We have listened carefully and believe that delivering a driving range pod and 18-hole family adventure golf course – two of the most well-used attractions – at the Leisure Park is the best solution to re-providing these facilities as quickly as possible, as well as creating new leisure experiences for everyone.

“Separately, we will continue to investigate the best location for a new pitch-and-putt course for the future elsewhere in the borough. We are committed to protecting these valued entry-level sports facilities that introduce people to the game of golf, provide a fun activity for families and actively support the well-being of our residents.

“We look forward to hearing the views of councillors on the Resident Services Committee and their recommendations that we will consider at our meeting in January.”