Members of an Oxford golf club earmarked for major housing development have bemoaned the impact its closure will have on the mental health of its older members with one year to go until it shuts.
North Oxford Golf Club, off Banbury Road, has been selected as part of a development of 1,180 homes between Cutteslowe and the A34 in Cherwell District Council's proposals to help Oxford's unmet housing need.
It comes as major development plans are taking shape in the area including the Oxford North scheme with its distinctive Red Hall building which can be seen from the A34 near the Peartree Interchange.
The housing plans for the golf club have prompted charity bosses to raise concerns over the impact it will have on people in the community if leisure facilities are to become new homes.
Despite members leading a campaign over the last few years to save it, they are now resigned to the fact it will close on October 31 next year.
Jill Northover has been a member since 2001 and explained the impact the closure of the 70-acre site will have on the 450 members.
She said: “We are going to close, we are accepting that.
"There is an awful lot of sadness about the fact that they're going to build houses and destroy the green land, but there is also a wider issue.
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“We formed a group called Greenway and we've been trying and trying to stop it, but unsuccessfully.
“They can't do anything until we have vacated the course. The problem is, where is everyone going to go and play?
“There is a lack of insight into the fact that it provides such a good environment for people. We feel very at home here. We're all supportive of each other."
Mrs Northover added: “I still don't think I can quite believe that it will be closing.
"I wanted to carry on playing here because the course is ideal. It's tricky, but it's not hugely long. It's also flat, so it provides good exercise for a lot of people.
“It's very, very sad. I think a lot of people can't believe it will happen. It's such a shame that it will be destroyed.
“We'll vacate the course next year and it'll sit here and nothing will happen for a while, possibly years. That will be such a waste.
“For a lot of people, coming here is a lifeline. It's not just about houses, it's about people and their lives. One member who is 90 comes here every day. It's people like him I just feel so sorry for.”
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"The loss of spaces like this can lead to increased isolation and a decline in physical and mental well-being for local people.
"We urge the local authority to consider the profound impact on our older residents especially, and to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
"Whilst any future relocation sounds simple, people affected can sometimes get lost in the long grass of how big decisions are then implemented over time.
"As we all know, Oxfordshire is not the easiest of places to get around, something that has worsened in recent times.”
Ian Middleton, who represents Kidlington South on the district council, said: “Even though I’m not a golfer myself I appreciate how precious this course is to the members of the club.
"It’s been maintained and nurtured for well over 100 years and provides a valuable resource for those seeking some gentle recreation.
"This is especially important for older people, particularly women who I know regard the club and the course as a haven that allows them to take exercise in a safe and secure environment.
“The course also supports a wide range of wildlife because, unlike many other such facilities, it has a well-managed array of veteran trees and hedgerows.
"Many of the trees have been there since the course was first laid and represent a vital carbon sink in an area surrounded by roads and other proposed developments that will generate harmful emissions.
"A significant amount of this vital green infrastructure is likely to be lost during the development which I think would represent an act of wanton environmental vandalism.”
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"At the very least there should be a requirement that as much of the existing greenery and tree cover is retained.”
MP Calum Miller, whose constituency includes Kidlington, said: “I am really sad to hear that North Oxford Golf Club will close soon.
"That has been a risk ever since the deal done by the Conservatives back in 2017 to commit to building new homes on the green belt between Oxford and Kidlington. But I know how much the club will be missed by its loyal members.
“Maintaining an active lifestyle and being part of a community who share an interest helps to keep you physically and mentally well. Sports clubs play a huge part in that.
"So I am really sorry for those who will miss this when the club closes.”
A Cherwell District Council spokesman said: “The allocation of the site for housing was discussed at an independent examination of the Local Plan which was held from 2018-2020. Provision for a potential alternative golf course is made in the Local Plan.”
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About the author
Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government.
He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years.
Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby
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