We believe that the allocation of Collingtree Golf Course is not sound, not justified, and it is not consistent with national or local planning policies. It also contradicts the Council's vision for a healthier, accessible, and environmentally sound West Northamptonshire.
An assumption has been made that the land is available for development and is surplus to requirements. This is not the case as the club is a valuable, successful and well used community asset.
1. Against National Planning Policy (Sports Facility Protection):
- The golf course is a thriving, financially viable sports facility with a significant membership and is operating under a 25 year lease.
- It serves the community and hosts many competitions.
- England Golf confirms a deficit of accessible golf provision in the county, which this loss would worsen and they have issued a strong objection to the proposals.
- The course is an irreplaceable facility for Collingtree and the wider community
2. Accessibility and Equality Concerns:
- The course has the only fully accessible buggy-path network in the county, vital for disabled, elderly, and mobility-impaired residents.
- Removing it would disproportionately harm these groups, contravene the Equality Act, and undermine health and wellbeing objectives.
3. Flood Risk and Sequential Test:
- The site is in a floodplain and acts as a natural drainage buffer.
- Development would increase runoff and flood risk further.
- The site fails the Sequential Test because alternative, lower-risk sites exist.
4. Conflict with Joint Core Strategy (Structural Green Space):
- The golf course is part of the structural green space network supporting the Northampton South SUE.
- It provides biodiversity corridors, flood mitigation, landscape buffering, and public amenity.
5. Environmental and Biodiversity Impact:
- The course supports diverse wildlife, including otters, deer, foxes, swans, red kites and various other bird species.
- Development would destroy habitats, wildlife corridors, and established ecosystems, conflicting with environmental policy.
6. Infrastructure and Transport Issues:
- Collingtree and East Hunsbury already suffer from congestion, oversubscribed services, and unsafe pedestrian routes.
- Adding housing will exacerbate these problems without a credible mitigation plan.
- GP Surgeries are already over capacity, schools are over subscribed
7. Cumulative Development Pressure:
- The area is already absorbing significant development.
- Residents and parish councils report that the area is at a breaking point.
8. Community and Social Importance:
- The golf course and clubhouse serve as a local social hub, charity venue, and wellbeing space.
- No comparable community facility exists within walking distance.
In essence, developing Collingtree Park Golf Course would:
- Violate national and local planning policies.
- Disproportionately harm vulnerable residents.
- Increase flood risk.
- Damage the environment.
- Strain existing infrastructure.
- Remove a valuable community asset.
- Conflicts sports facility protection policies
We are seeking funding to support our efforts to remove the golf course from the local plan and stop future developments from taking place.
Every donation, large or small, helps us defend our golf course and hopefully stops further development. Please support our campaign and help us protect Collingtree Park Golf Course for future generations