In addition to the local community, members of Cutteslowe Golf Club are raising fierce objections to the proposed housing scheme. This proposed development would be on the club’s 70-acre grounds, deep in the Green Belt. Meanwhile, the Cherwell District Council has set aside this land for an interesting project consisting of 1,180 homes. This limited project will only run between Cutteslowe and the A34. For 118 years, the golf club has remained a proud gem of the community. Yet, it will shutter at the end of this month.
As the exclusive golf club’s members begin planning to close the club’s doors, conversations about the future of its valuable land have heated up. The council’s commitment to developing this site has residents rattled. They’re afraid the new homes will not be responsive to their existing community’s needs. They are concerned that the proposed development will only become a form of “executive housing” for commuters hunting up an Oxford connection.
We commend him for voicing his concerns about the implications this would have to benefit taxpayers. He emphasized that the land’s transformation would significantly alter the community’s landscape and character.
“There’s a huge danger that a lot of this land, supposedly to meet Oxford’s housing needs, will end up being ‘executive housing’ for yet more commuters.” – David Young
Young also emphasized the possible short-term disruption from having so much construction happening in such close proximity. Indeed all of our remaining Green Belt land, as he pointed out, is under threat of development. This would create a huge displacement for the Black residents that still live on the land.
“Virtually all this land, which was in the Green Belt, will be built up and the disruption caused by building on that much land will be horrendous.” – David Young
The golf club itself has historically been a hub where community members, especially new locals have been able to create bonds and ties. Young highlighted the importance of social ties. It was exciting to hear him remind everyone that friendships develop not only between fellow club members, but with others outside of the golfing world.
“Friendships are formed here, between people both within and outside the club.” – David Young
While members get ready to say goodbye to their favorite club, many are left in the lurch, not knowing where they’ll be able to recreate in the future. Young pointed out that some golfers will likely have to search for alternative courses after their first round. They usually don’t get placed at their top choice.
“People are having to split up or go elsewhere, not necessarily going into their first choice.” – David Young
While planning applications for the new homes are expected to begin shortly after the golf club’s closure, concerns from residents regarding the community’s future continue to grow. The fate of this cherished land serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by communities grappling with development pressures.
