Hundreds object to plan for homes on golf course

Blaby Golf Centre is home to an adventure golf, pitch and putt and nine-hole golf course

More than 1,500 people have objected to plans to build houses on a Leicestershire golf course.

Plans to build 200 new homes over most of Blaby Golf Centre were submitted by developers last month.

The development in Lutterworth Road is the second proposed for the course in about eight months, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

In November, Davidsons Homes submitted a bid for 53 homes on the disused allotments at the edge of the course and on part of the adjacent fairway.

The newest proposal, which was lodged by Hallam Land Management Ltd, has received 1,663 objections since being submitted to Blaby District Council.

Councillor Paul Hartshorn, who represents the Blaby ward, was among those who had raised concerns with the project, the LDRS said.

Concerns

"Just like our parks, these public spaces need to remain," said Mr Hartshorn. "Access to good-quality, well-maintained public spaces can improve our physical and mental health by encouraging us to walk more, play sports, or enjoy a green and natural environment.

"[I] have concerns that our local amenities will not be able to cope unless there is a proper infrastructure plan, judging by the difficulties in getting a doctor’s appointment, for example.

"I shall, of course, be opposing the development for what use it will do."

Despite concerns over the plans being voiced in their numbers, the LDRS said 20 people had written in support of the plan.

Subject to approval, maps suggest the Davidsons and Hallam schemes could sit side-by-side and cover the course as a whole, reports the LDRS.

The full details are expected to be approved through a later application. Members of the public can still comment on the plans until August 15.

Elsewhere in the district, up to 800 homes could be built on Enderby Golf Course after plans for the housing development were submitted.

The council has unveiled proposals for a new community, called Hayes Gardens, on 141 acres (57 hectares) to the east of Enderby.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.