Under-threat Brandhall Golf Course no longer needed, says council
A golf course earmarked for closure would be put to better use as a public park and a site for new homes and a school, council bosses said today.
Sandwell Council has announced its intention to close Brandhall Golf Course in Oldbury, which it says is underused and too costly to run.
Bosses say they want to hear residents' views on the plans before deciding to go ahead with the plan.
In its place a new public park would be created, but part of the golf course site would also be used for homes and the rebuilding of Causeway Green Primary School.
The authority said plans for future use of the site would be subject to a detailed masterplan.
Bosses say there is an "over-supply" of golf provision in the area, with more than 30 golf facilities within 20 minutes' drive of the borough boundary.
Running the course, where membership has dwindled to 318, costs around £250,000 a year, while £3 million would be needed to bring it up to standard, they added.
Ward councillor Sue Crumpton said she was "shocked" the golf course and clubhouse could close but that she was keen to hear the views of residents.
She added: "Only 300-odd people are using it and about 90 of them are from out of the borough."
A six-week consultation period is due to start in early November where locals will be encouraged to share their views.
Council leader Yvonne Davies said: "We’re keen to hear what people think of the proposal to close the course and what they would like to see in its place if it closes.
“The Brandhall site offers an opportunity to create the borough’s first new major public park since Sandwell was formed. This would be a new park that everyone could access and enjoy, which would help promote physical activity and healthy living for all ages.
“A new school to serve local families could also be provided as well as new homes to meet people’s housing needs.”
Membership at Brandhall has fallen each year since 2016 from 352 to 318 members, and usage has reduced significantly since 2013/14, the council said.
The proposal to close Brandhall Golf Course and club house follows a recommendation from the Sandwell Sport and Leisure Built Facilities Strategy Members Steering Group.
