We’ve put in a series of objections to Cala Homes’ planning application to build 1,500 new homes on Maidenhead Golf Course, including on the grounds that this Public Open Space has not been disposed of correctly.
Mandatory requirements have not been followed
Specifically, we’ve objected on the basis this area of Public Open Space ‘has been disposed of in a manner contrary to the mandatory requirements of Circular 06/03 of the Local Government Act 1972’.
These procedural requirements mandate a local authority wishing to dispose of open space to advertise its intentions in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks and to consider objections. Authorities should carry out these procedures before making any final decisions about disposal as the public response to the notices may be material to any such decision.
These actions were not carried out by our council.
Evidence the golf course land is Public Open Space
We’ve found evidence that the golf course land is Public Open Space. The land was purchased by the council in 1953 as Public Open Space, reported at the time in the local newspaper.
In the 1953 Local Plan, the map in relations to the golf course land is clearly marked as Public Open Space (POS):
Please do take the time to object to these environmentally damaging development plans. We’ve added guidance on how to do it here: https://maidenheadgreatpark.co.uk/environmentally-damaging-planning-application-submitted-to-develop-maidenhead-golf-course
The golf course site was purchased by the Borough Council in 1953 to ensure that it would remain an open space. Even at that time the Council recognized the important contribution to health and wellbeing that this site provided to the residents of Maidenhead and surrounding areas.
With the massive overdevelopment that has already occurred in Maidenhead preserving this wonderful site is even more important.
The Borough Council purchased the golf course in 1953 to ensure that it would remain as an open space.
Even at that time the Council recognized the important contribution that this wonderful site made to the wellbeing and health of the residents of Maidenhead and surrounding areas.
In the last few years massive overdevelopment has occurred in Maidenhead that makes it even more important that this wonderful site is retained.