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Controversial plans to build football pitches and a car park on a golf course are set to be approved.
Broome Manor Golf Complex in Swindon will be reduced from nine holes to six to make way for the development if the proposals are agreed by councillors next week.
The plans have been brought forward by the site’s owner Twigmarket Ltd and also include a three-storey driving range and adventure golf course.
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Local golfers have fiercely protested against the plans, claiming the loss of a third of the course would put people off. Their argument was backed by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.
However, local authority officials have recommended councillors vote in favour of the redevelopment.
It means the long-running saga – which has been delayed on several occasions, most recently in October to allow Sport England the opportunity to have its say – could come to an end when Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee meets next week.
Bosses at Twigmarket previously warned of an “uncertain” future for the complex if the plans were rejected and claimed it had to “diversify” in order to make the site sustainable.
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“This is a much-loved public leisure facility and the objective is that it remains that way whilst appealing to a more diverse and numerous demographic than the current rather narrow ageing golfer profile,” said director Jeremy Sturgess.
Despite the recommendation, however, there is no guarantee the plans will be approved as councillors are not obliged to follow officials’ recommendations.
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