In the council’s press release they stated that they have spare land by the current Basingstoke golf centre which they could use to relocate the facility, for if plans go ahead to construct the new water park and hotel on the land. This, they should utilise, instead of Downgrange.
If the council wanted a golf course they shouldn’t have demolished the one up by Beggarwood a few years ago in return for future housing, youngsters can’t afford.
READ MORE: Plans for replacement golf centre at Down Grange approved
The council’s building on enough green belt land as it is. Down Grange was awarded to the public in the mid-1960s following private ownership for centuries beforehand. It’s only in recent history that the public has been able to fully enjoy the environment.
There’s little land to even build on at Downgrange for a golf course with the Athletic pitch, hockey pitches, Rugby ground, and two social clubs occupying the majority of it.
Is there not enough there already?
The last thing the locals want is for a golf course to be built on the land they walk their dogs on daily, perhaps more than once a day even!
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Downgrange is valuable environmental asset and must be protected for people’s health and wellbeing.
It’s already congested enough at the weekend with sporting events on. Imagine what it would look like if there is a clumsy golf course too, with more parking, which is currently at its maximum capacity.
Basingstoke’s losing its green belt land which the council is at fault for, denying it at all costs which mustn’t be swept aside—history is judging!
Liam Harding
Kempshott
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