STAFF at a popular sports facility are ‘absolutely devastated’ after learning the site could be cleared to make way for a new housing development.
It comes after the Wessex Golf Centre, behind Weymouth Football Club off Radipole Lane, was put forward as a potential site for housing – specifically a site for 176 homes – in the local plan, a future development blueprint currently being drawn up by Dorset Council.
The centre, comprising a nine hole golf course and driving range, leases the land and says future plans are ‘out of its control’.
Dorset Council has published proposals for its local plan which identifies sites to address housing shortages and deliver essential infrastructure to support economic growth.
A public consultation is underway and once the plan is adopted it will guide planning decisions in Dorset until 2043.
The council insists potential housing sites included in the consultation is no guarantee of development.
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The Wessex Golf Centre said in a statement: “As some of you will have already seen or heard through various posts on social media, the land for the Wessex Golf Centre has been put up on the council’s website for proposed housing.
“This is very much out of our control as we do not own the land and we are absolutely devastated to be writing this.
“The Wessex Golf Centre has been part of the Weymouth community for so many years and really does welcome everyone through the doors. It is popular with all ages, all abilities and gives everyone a place to go where no membership is required.”
The Echo has reached out to the centre for further comment.
He said: “It’s a private issue, so they (the landowner) can do what they want. I have spoken to the owners (of the Golf Centre) and it is a landlord issue. There is nothing I can do or say to change anything.
“But it would be pretty tragic if it shut down. Everyone knows the nine holer and driving range. I’ve been on stag doos there and the family goes down. It would be a great shame if it is taken away.”
READ: Outrage at Weymouth sites earmarked for major developments
Other sites identified in the plan have included areas of Littlemoor and Preston which have been described as ‘terrifying’ by Councillor Louie O’Leary.
He and colleagues will be soon arranging public meetings to oppose the 1,500 plots identified as potential housing sites for the area.
Councillor Shane Bartlett, cabinet member for planning and emergency planning at Dorset Council, recognised that ‘concerns are being raised’ by residents over the plan and has urged people to take part in the public consultation.
He also said that sites included in the consultation (known as opportunity sites) is no guarantee of development.
He said: “It simply means they are being considered as part of a wider conversation about how Dorset can meet its future housing, employment, and infrastructure needs. It is important to emphasise that decisions are yet to be made regarding places identified as opportunity sites.”
Factors for potential development sites are based on housing needs, land availability, sustainability assessments, and strategic planning objectives.
The council is required to explore all reasonable opportunities to meet the government’s housing targets, which have increased significantly – from 1,793 to 3,246 new homes per year.
Cllr Bartlett confirmed the Wessex Golf Centre was nominated as a potential site and is ‘considering its suitability for housing’ through the consultation and that all responses to the pubic consultation would be ‘carefully considered’ before any decision is made.
He added: “We recognise the value of community assets like the Wessex Golf Centre and are committed to ensuring that any future development proposals are balanced against the need to protect and enhance Dorset’s unique environment and community infrastructure whilst still meeting the housing target that has been set by the Government.”