Councillor blasts ‘keyboard warriors’ after sale of popular golf course

A councillor has taken aim at ‘keyboard warriors’ who criticised the sale of a popular golf course.

Barnham Broom, in Norwich, was purchased by Breckland Council for £7m in 2006 and was finally sold in March this year.

The Council fetched £6.9 million for the hotel and golf course, albeit efforts to offload it were met with intense scrutiny from locals.

According to the Eastern Daily Press, Paul Hewitt, cabinet member for property, suggested locals ‘wanted’ the asset to be sold at a loss, so they had a stick to beat the council with.

Mr Hewett said: “This was one of our most significant and challenging disposals from our property portfolio over the course of the year and hasn’t necessarily been popular.

“It has certainly been quite exciting to see the keyboard warriors jumping up around it.

“Barnham Broom was not sold for the massive loss that I suspect so many people wanted it to, but actually at a profit.”

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Despite selling for £100,000 less than the initial purchase price, Breckland Council insists it was a ‘strong investment’.

The authority claimed it had received significant income during its ownership of the club, including from rental payments and the £6.9m from the sale.

It was bought back by the owner-operator of the business, who had sold it to the council 19 years ago and leased the land and buildings from it ever since.

During its ownership, the council invested a further £1.95m in the asset. It said the overall profit made by the council is £2.73 million.

Sam Chapman-Allen, Breckland Council’s Leader, said: “The figures show just what a good investment the golf club has been for this council and our residents.

“The steady stream of reliable income over nearly 20-years has played a big factor in helping Breckland maintain a good financial position compared to our peers and has enabled us to keep the pressure off local taxpayers as much as possible.”

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Colin Bothway, the original founder and owner of Barnham Broom Hotel and Golf Club, added: “I’d like to thank the council for being steadfast in its commitment to maintain our landlord and tenant relationship over a long period.

“I am also grateful for the council’s confidentiality during the lengthy due diligence and negotiation period.

“I’m delighted that we have now bought back the freehold and can recombine this with our operating business.

“This strengthens our position to consider how we might evolve and grow further in the future for the benefit of our local communities, our golf and health club members, visitors and hotel guests, as well as our loyal staff and hard-working employees.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.