Bournemouth golf course closure fears a ‘misunderstanding’

Councillors discussed plans to improve access to nature and diversify wildlife at three sites across BCP in a Cabinet meeting on December 17.

Initial information from BCP Council did not suggest that the golf course would be left out of the plans to revitalise the Solent Meads site. But it was later clarified that the course would remain open but legally had to be re-tendered.

Matt Stewart, one of the directors for Golf For All which operates the golf course, told cabinet: “When we were informed in November that there would be no more golf at Solent Meads we were outraged on behalf of the people who use the facility.”

Councillor Bernadette Nanovo, who spoke to the cabinet in her role as a ward councillor, told members: “When we first discussed Solent Meads and Biodiverstiy Net Gain Credits being used to fund future improvements, my co councillor and I said as long as the golf continues, we won’t have a problem.

“However, it soon become apparent the golf was at risk and our opposing voices while only two to begin with were soon backed up by the Heingsbury Head Residents Association and by the 8000 plus people who signed the petition organised by one of the directors of Golf For All.

“We had no idea how popular this facility was until the news broke that Solent Meads Golf could be finished.”

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Cllr Nanovo asked for ward councillors and residents to be informed of any proposed changes to the course and the proposals come to cabinet.

Councillor Jeff Hanna said during the meeting: “I do think it is unfortunate that misunderstandings seem to have arisen as to what our intentions are, with even the suggestion that decisions had been taken when they had not been taken.”

Councillor Millie Earl spoke about Millhams Mead saying: “What I am really glad about is what this protection does by allocating it to credits is it protects that site for 30 years and that for me is such a joy to hear. We know we have a government that is intent on building, we have to face the reality that if we are not able to protect these sites who know if the government will come in and take powers away from us to build on these sites.”

Solent meads site map from cabinet documents

Councillor Andy Hadley responded to comments saying: “We have heard very strongly the views… that was based on a misunderstanding. We haven’t made a decision, and golf was always part of the consideration. We will absolutely involve ward councillors and public consultation we need to go to people to ask how they would improve it and keep some options open on to how the space is used.

“There is no secret agenda we are looking to improve biodiversity and separately reprocuring the leisure opportunity on that site.”

Members unanimously approved Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead and Solent Meads outside of the golf course for habitat improvements, with the idea to improve nature as part of the re-tendering of golf and other leisure at the existing Solent Meads golf course.

In a statement after cabinet, Councillor Patrick Canavan, BCP Labour Group leader said: “We learnt today that there was never any intention to stop golf at Solent Meads.

“All the publicity was therefore due to a “misunderstanding”.

“Fascinating that BCPs communication is so poor that it requires a petition containing around 8,000 signatures to get clarification.

“So we see Liberal Democrat Councillor claiming victory over a Liberal Democrat led administration when in fact there was never any intention to stop the golf provision in the first place. Good media coverage I suppose but a non-story blown up purely for publicity.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “We have made clear in our communications and in the cabinet report published earlier this month, and discussed at length at Cabinet (17 December) that golf is an option when considering the future for this well-loved area.

“It is a shame that selected and inaccurate information was publicised without context and before the real plan was made public through the usual democratic process.

“We have since worked hard to correct misinformation. This land cannot be used for housing development, and that we will engage with all those who use the space and who might in the future at the appropriate time.  This is a great opportunity for both our wildlife and our residents to benefit and for this natural open space to be protected for decades.”

In a statement the Three Towns Alliance administration, said: “It is a real shame that Cllr Canavan has chosen to make cheap political points rather than engage constructively in protecting our natural environment. He had the opportunity to speak at Cabinet on this item but chose not to.

“As Leader of the Labour group his time would be well spent lobbying his own government and local MPs for proper and fairer funding for BCP. He does not appear to be interested in that.”