South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has spoken out against a plan at Broome Manor Golf Complex which would see the loss of three holes on the complex’s nine-hole course.

But the owners of the complex, Twigmarket Ltd say this is inconsistent with his support for a previous plan which would have had the same effect.

The company which runs the public courses has a number of plans for the site, including an expanded driving range and party of the proposals is the creation of eight football pitch and increased parking.

This would see the last three holes of the nine-hole course built on – something which many golfers who play there oppose.

Mr Buckland has added his voice to those of the objectors and has written to Swindon Borough Council planners considering Twigmarket’s proposals.

“I am extremely concerned that instead of improving and expanding upon this site, the proposed development will result in the loss of a much-needed and well-used golfing facility here in Swindon," he said.

"The nine-hole course is a very useful entry point for junior golfers taking up the sport, as well as recreational use for more senior residents, the less able and those who have limits on their time, particularly during the winter months. Especially as the complex is the only facility for golf in Swindon.

"I am concerned that the loss of the nine-hole golfing option would have an extremely detrimental effect on a large user group and does not promote inclusion.

"It is vital that we maintain the green buffer zone of Broome Manor and Coate Water for the benefit of future generations of Swindon residents.

"The proposed football pitches with artificial surfaces, high fencing and top netting would result in the current open aspect of the Broome Manor Site being destroyed and have a negative impact on the nearby landscape.

"I am concerned that from a safety point of view, despite the proposed high netting, adventure golf would expose users to the hazard of stray shots from the 18th fairway and the driving range causing injury to users.

"The proposals do not appear to take into consideration the increase in traffic and additional parking required.

"Furthermore, there would be a requirement for additional changing facilities which these proposals also do not appear to have taken into consideration.

"The proposed development would result in the loss of much-needed golfing facilities for many of my constituents including juniors, adult beginners and the less able and the elderly, who rely on the sport to stay fit. This would have a detrimental impact on the local community and does not promote inclusion.”

But Jeremy Sturgess has said Mr Buckland was all in favour of an already approved proposal to build a squash and leisure club on the very same holes which would be affected.

The plan was given consent in 2018, and if built would see the club and associated parking built where the football pitches are intended now.

He referred to a video on Facebook, showing Mr Buckland flanked by Old Town councillor Nick Burns Howell, then a member of South Swindon Parish Council, and Twigmarket director Dax Mellor, who explains the plans.

Mr Buckland said: ”This looks like a very welcome additional facility for Swindon. Something new and different, and accessible by the local community. I’m excited and pleased to hear about it.”

Mr Sturgess said: “We were not expecting this Volte Face from him and he has not sought out my views on this application which I find strange as it promotes a multi-million-pound investment in Swindon’s public leisure facilities."

The Adver contacted Mr Bucklands office, which referred us to his original statement.