Great Brickhill’s Three Locks Golf Club mobile homes plan ‘to avoid closure’

Villagers are up in arms over plans to convert part of Three Locks Golf Course in Great Brickhill into a mobile homes park, reducing the number of holes.
Three Locks Golf Club site plan PHOTO: WS PlanningThree Locks Golf Club site plan PHOTO: WS Planning
Three Locks Golf Club site plan PHOTO: WS Planning

Acting on behalf of the golf club, WS Planning has applied to Buckinghamshire Council for full planning permission for the change of use of land to site some 119 lodge style holiday caravans with landscaping and ancillary works.

The proposed development will utilise land that currently accommodates six holes, the remaining 12 holes will remain intact. This approach will ensure that there is a function nine-hole golf course which can be played twice to provide an 18-hole golfing experience.

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This also provides three additional holes, which can provide further flexibility to the course of play on site. The ancillary works include internal roadways, parking, drainage and other development required for a holiday park in addition to the formation of two new ponds.

The application has so far received scores of objections within a few days of being published online.

One person said: “While I understand the need for businesses to adapt and diversify in these uncertain times, I must object to this planning based upon the sheer volume and concentration of 119 caravans, their visual impact on our ‘Aylesbury Vale Attractive Landscape’, and most importantly their environmental impact on the local community - people and wildlife. Green spaces are becoming fewer, while we are often told they are so important to our mental wellbeing.”

A second said: “The location has poor access to public transport and amenities so would require private vehicle access hugely increasing the flow of traffic on the roads.”

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Another said: “There are few amenities for holidaymakers in the immediate area and the nine-hole golf course is unlikely to attract serious golfers.”

WS Planning says the fortunes of the Three Locks Golf Club have mirrored those of golf courses across the country and there has been a steady decline in the number of golfers frequenting the club and a subsequent reduction in turnover. The ongoing consequence of this decline is that without diversification it will not be financially viable in the long term and will have to close.

To have your say on the application visit https://publicaccess.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/online-applications/ and enter the reference number 21/00143/APP. The deadline for comments is Friday, February 12.

What do you think about the proposals? Email [email protected]