Luton Hoo bid to host Ryder Cup with new golf course a step closer

The hotel, golf and leisure complex is just south of Luton and next to the M1 in Hyde

Plans to host the Ryder Cup in Bedfordshire have moved a step closer following a government decision.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa's proposal to build a championship golf course was approved by Central Bedfordshire Council in June 2023.

The hotel's owners, Arora Group, said it wanted to be able to host the golf tournament in either 2031 or 2035.

The government said it would not "call in" the application for a planning inquiry.

The decision means the planning permission granted by the council stands, paving the way for the existing golf course to be extended and remodelled, as well as the building of a new clubhouse and office.

Surinder Arora said the government's decision not to call in the application was "great news"

The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between Europe and the United States, with the two teams taking it in turns to host the event.

Luton Hoo currently has an 18-hole golf course but wants to replace it with more challenging course worthy of hosting the Ryder Cup, which can also accommodate more spectators.

Samuel Ryder, of nearby St Albans, founded the competition in 1927.

Surinder Arora, who chairs the Arora Group, previously said he had "managed to persuade the grandfather of golf Gary Player and Justin Rose to be involved" in designing the new course.

He said the government's decision not to call in the application was "great news".

Objections have been lodged by Historic England, Bedfordshire Gardens Trust and the Garden Trust.

Councillors from Central Bedfordshire said the potential benefits to the area outweighed any potential harm to the green belt.

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The decision not to call in the application was made by Lee Rowley, Minister for Planning and Building Safety at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

A statement from the department said the minister was "content that it should be determined by the local planning authority".