The decision includes constructing a new pitch and putt golf course at Down Grange, along with additional car parking and administrative facilities.
A modern golf-pod style driving range and adventure golf course could also be added if feasible, subject to planning permissions.
Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Councillor Kerry Morrow, Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture, said: “Recognising the importance of the activities on offer at the golf course, officers have investigated options to re-locate and protect these vital golf facilities on council-owned land, as part of our work to build a strong leisure offer for our residents to enjoy.
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“To enable Great Wolf Resorts to progress its exciting proposals, the recommendations in this report would see a replacement pitch and putt golf course created at Down Grange with additional car parking, an administrative facility and potentially a modern golf-pod style range and adventure golf course here too, if feasible. We would also reserve land at the leisure park for adventure golf and a modern style driving range.”
Cllr Morrow said the next steps include detailed designs for the golf course and extensive community engagement.
“This would include engaging with residents and the wider community, and we are also keen to work with the sports clubs currently based at Down Grange,” he added.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from Labour councillor Andy McCormick, who raised concerns about traffic impacts.
He said: “We managed to get housing provision out of a previous local plan for the part of Down Grange owned by Hampshire County Council when they were considering disposing of it as ‘surplus to requirements’, citing traffic concerns. Similarly, a proposal to re-house Basingstoke FC in Down Grange had traffic concerns cited. What has now changed?”
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Cllr McCormick also warned about safety issues with the junction on the A30 used to access the site, questioning whether upgrades were being considered to accommodate increased traffic.
Responding to this point, council leader Paul Harvey argued that a golf facility would not generate traffic at the levels seen with housing or a football ground.
The council has also set aside £1m in its 2027/28 capital budget to fund the development of the new facilities, which will include public access provisions and improvements to existing sports infrastructure at Down Grange.