Great Denham Golf Course @isn’tsurplustorequirements

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 Policy 99 states.

The loss of existing sports and community facilities will be permitted where either of the following can be demonstrated:

i. Up to date evidence has been provided that demonstrates the facility is surplus to existing and future needs; or

ii. The facility is to be relocated and is of a similar scale to the current facility (i.e., no net loss in floor area), is of an equivalent standard and able to serve the same community.

iii. In the case of sports facilities, alternative sports facilities may be considered as a replacement if this can be justified with appropriate evidence of need.

It is our contention that the Golf Course which is also a protected Urban Gap @isn’tsurplustorequirements . Many players and users of the course and facilities have not been able to find suitable alternative facilities. We are calling on all former users of the course or the facilities generally to make their voices heard by joining this petition:

We the undersigned wish it to be known that the Bedford Golf Course which was used by many residents from Great Denham, Bromham, Biddenham, Queens Park and further afield that the Golf course and Urban Gap @isn’tsurplustorequirements .This facility was used by all these surrounding communities as well as the 504 members at the point of closure. We petition the Borough Council to ensure that Policy 99 is not abandoned due to the passage of time and that it is carried through to the Local Plan 2040. The facility should be reinstated and if not, @isn’tsurplustorequirements rules should continue to be applied. We would welcome the continuing support of our constituency MP Richard Fuller to bring to the attention of the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick MP. To outline the blatant disregard for communities by the landowners of this important community facility, and their refusal to act within Local Authority planning rules and conditions.