Golf Course
The former Western Park Golf Course
Latest News - 28th October 2023
From Steve Walters
We’re just coming out of a quiet phase for the golf course. On the 6th July there was a full City Council Meeting. A motion had been proposed for the meeting by Conservative Councillor Rae Bhatia that two of the largest green spaces listed in City’s Local Plan be removed. They were Beaumont Park and the golf course. After a fierce debate the motion was unfortunately lost 26 to 22 votes. This was a huge disappointment as it would have been a major turning point, although not unexpected as all the Labour councillors voted with the party line.
The total Leicester City Local Plan was subsequently submitted to the government inspector team on 26th September. There will now be a delay to allow the full examination of the considerable amount of documents. It is anticipated that the public hearings will take place in early to mid 2024. This will be the final opportunity to challenge any aspect of the Local Plan.
At the end of the examination the Inspector will send a report to Leicester City Council recommending whether or not they can adopt the plan. In most cases the report will recommend some changes that are necessary to allow the plan to be adopted. These are known as ‘main modifications’.
After the examinations are completed it will be put to a vote at a City full council meeting.
If the Local Plan is approved at the City Council meeting, it will then enter detailed planning phases, which will give a further opportunity to object.
The link below will take you to the City Council Local Plan website
Editor‘s Note: If you live locally, but have not yet visited the Former Western Golf Course, I urge you to do so, to see for yourself what we risk losing.
You can access the area at various points in Glenfield, including Blackthorn Road, Slate Walk Way, Somerset Drive or via Optimus Point (alongside Gearys Bakery).
If you are unable to visit in person, you can take a virtual walk around the Golf Course online. Visit: https://youtu.be/VuwriKRth0U to experience a superb low-level drone video created by Alan Rampton Photography.
ANNA BAKER'S PETITION TO SAVE THE GOLF COURSE IS NOW CLOSED BUT YOU CAN STILL READ ABOUT IT ON CHANGE.ORG - HERE'S THE LINK: