Golf course green space news is 'win for residents'
Des Blenkinsopp / GeographA councillor has said news that a golf course will not be included in plans to create more natural green spaces is a "win for residents".
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council announced three sites - Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead and Solent Meads - had been earmarked to help improve access to nature.
There were fears Solent Meads Golf Course could be closed, with a petition to save it gaining more than 8,000 signatures.
East Southbourne and Tuckton councillor Bernadette Nanovo said it was "part of our community, and people want it to stay".
Legally developments must achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG) by leaving more or better quality natural habitats than before.
The council's proposal was based on a government scheme where developers can buy areas of land to put back to their natural state, compensating for land they are building on.
Ms Nanovo said: "This is wonderful news, I've met with leaseholders and staff and understood why they were worried.
"I was being told that biodiversity net gain rewilding was just one option and that golf was still on the table."
She added that the lease for the current golf course operator ends next year and would need to go to tender.
BCP Council's cabinet will discuss the plans, which are recommended for approval, on 17 December.
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