Golf Club buys land to protect it from development
AN AREA of land which had been identified as a potential site for development will remain “as it is”.
The land, between Finchampstead Road and holes 13 and 14 of Sand Martins Golf Club, has been purchased by the club.
It had previously been identified as a potential development for approximately 90 homes under its previous ownership.
A spokesperson for Sand Martins has confirmed the owner of the club does not have any plans for a change of use for the land.
“The land will remain ‘as it is’ for the foreseeable future with the same farmer continuing to graze his cattle on it as they have done for many years,” they said.
“This is another positive intention of the club’s owners who want to protect and improve Sand Martins Golf Club and the immediate area surrounding the club for many years to come.”
The news has been welcomed by a number of councillors who see the land as an important green barrier between Finchampstead and Wokingham.
Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, said: “This is the last green gap between the north of Finchampstead and Wokingham, so I am delighted it has been purchased by Sand Martins.
“This has been an ongoing issue for a number of years but it shows what can be achieved when councillors, residents and local businesses work together to protect important green spaces.”
Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of the Wokingham Labour Group, believes the purchase of the land is crucial to preserving the identity and appearance of the area.
She said: “I am pleased that, for the time being at least, the threat of development on one side of the road has gone.
“The fields and agricultural nature of this area are a very real reminder of Wokingham’s historic setting as a market town in a rural area.
“Similar areas in other parts of Wokingham have been lost forever, or will soon be lost, so I welcome this news.”
Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat councillor for Evendons which covers a large portion of the golf course, also welcomed the news as she believes development wasn’t viable.
“The area is already underserved by public transport, active travel infrastructure, schools and other facilities so a development here would not be sustainable,” said Cllr Kerr.
She added: “I am pleased to hear that Sand Martins have stated the land would remain as grazing land for the farmer but am concerned by the phrase ‘foreseeable future’, I do hope they mean indefinitely.
“We are a semi-rural borough, and to keep urbanising completely changes the character of the area.”