Decision details

To gain approval to undertake formal consultation in consideration of future city council golf provision

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which set out proposals to cease providing golf at Middleton Park Golf Course and Gotts Park Golf Course. The report provided the background to the submitted proposals along with a summary of consultation undertaken, together with responses to the alternative options proposed and issues raised as part of such consultation.

In considering the key aspects of the submitted report, emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that Gotts Park Golf Club was provided with the appropriate opportunity to successfully manage Gotts Park Golf Course, should they confirm that they wish to lead on the management of the course. Furthermore, it was agreed that in the event that Gotts Park Golf Club did not come forward to lead on the management of the golf course, then prior to any final decisions being made, the Director of Environment and Housing submit a further report to Executive Board in order to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider the most appropriate way forward. 

Correspondence with Wade’s Charity, which reflected the need for their agreement to the proposals, was referred to during the discussion. With regard to the proposals relating to the future of Middleton Park, it was emphasised that the outline ideas for conversion of the course to park land were a basis for consultation and that the final form would be agreed in partnership with the local community, local Members and community groups to ensure that the future use of the park could be maximised for the benefit of the area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Council to cease to provide golf at Middleton Park on 31^stOctober 2014;

(b)  That in the event that Gotts Parks Golf Club confirm that they wish to lead on managing the course, then this be approved in principle, subject to the Council entering into an agreement reviewable annually. With an annual grant of no more than the maintenance costs of semi natural parkland, currently £20,000, being made payable by the Council to the operator subject to meeting the terms of the agreement. The agreement should limit the Council’s future liability in the event that the venture is unsuccessful;

(c)  That in the event that Gotts Park Golf Club does not come forward, then the Director of Environment and Housing submit a further report to Executive Board in order to provide the Board with the opportunity to consider the most appropriate way forward;

(d)  That approval be given to invest £74,000 in the space currently occupied by Middleton Park Golf Club, with the investment to be shaped in consultation with local Members, Friends of Middleton Park, Wades and the local community, and that the ongoing costs of maintenance be limited to the costs of maintaining semi natural parkland, which is equivalent to £20,000 at current prices;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Cleaner, Stronger and Safer Communities in order to conduct the consultations referred to in the resolutions above, and also to conclude negotiations, and then to implement the above resolutions, having regard to the outcome of the consultations.

A consultation document outlining options for future provision of city council golf facilities

Golf clubs, ward members, public, talking point, Parks and Green Space forum