Councillor urges BCP to keep Solent Meads Golf Course open as petition passes 7,500 Signatures
BCP councillor Toby Slade has joined calls to save a much-loved Golf Course from becoming a nature reserve
A councillor has called for a golf course to remain open instead of being transformed into a nature park.
BCP Council announced that three sites, Solent Meads, Erlin Farm, and Millhams Mead, have been earmarked for green space enhancement that would improve access nature for residents and that there were no plans for housing or any other form of mass development at the sites.
The 20-year lease on the site is due to expire next year, which means BCP Council would either need to retender due to procurement rules or to find another use for the site.
A petition to ‘Stop BCP From Closing Solent Meads Golf Course’ was launched on November 10 and currently has over 7,900 signatures.
Councillor Toby Slade said: “The reaction from residents to the proposed closure of Solent Meads Golf Course has been overwhelming.
“In a few days nearly 8,000 people have signed the petition calling on BCP Council to keep this much-loved facility open.
“Around 50–60 residents, including pupils from St Katherine’s School, came out to show their support in a protest. That level of turnout tells you how important Solent Meads is to this community.
“As well as a Golf Course, it is a community hub, a social lifeline, an inclusive space used by thousands every year by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
“It has served residents since 1961. The current operators have invested over 22 years, improved biodiversity on-site, and confirmed they would re-tender if allowed. BCP’s own ecology survey recently praised the course for its wildlife value – which makes the decision not to renew the lease in 2026 especially concerning for residents.
“I fully support nature recovery, but Solent Meads already shows that nature and community sport can thrive together. Closing it would be a huge loss.
“I stand firmly with residents, and I will fight their corner. I am calling for earlier engagement, full consideration of continued golf provision, and a fair opportunity for the operators to tender.
“Solent Meads must remain open.’"
Councillors are set to discuss the proposals at the Cabinet meeting on December 17.