Golfers throughout the district were this week shocked to hear of plans to build 2,000 houses on the fairways of Bradley Park.
The proposal is part of Kirklees Council’s Local Plan to build 30,000 new homes to meet Government targets.
The Local Plan is subject to a six-week consultation period from November 9, and Parnell Reilly, who ran the golf facility for 33 years, has urged golfers and other interested parties to get organised.
Parnell, who handed over to Tom Wild in April 2014, said: “When I started in 1981, I was informed that the par three and all the course was designated building land and that it could happen at any time, but they have never touched it.
“This news has come as a shock for everybody, at the moment there are plans in hand to improve the clubhouse and facilities.
“I find it absolutely crazy that, with all the land around in Kirklees, they are thinking about building on Bradley Park, which has fantastic facilities for the residents of Kirklees.
“I think that somebody should start a petition and all golfers should lobby their councillors to explain the folly of their ways.
“My gut reaction is that it will not go ahead. For a start, the bottom quarter or more of the land is an old tip full of rubbish with topsoil.
“I also think that it would be logistically impossible to add another 2,000 or more cars on to Bradley Road. It is already a car park at busy times, there is the school and additional traffic would raise safety issues.
“I would like to see the people who are making the decision, I wonder if they have ever walked round the golf course and seen how busy it is with residents and kids.
“Bradley Park is a nursery which gets people into the game of golf. Many of them learn the game here and then move on to other clubs.
“There will be very few – if any – golfers in Huddersfield who have not used the Bradley Park facilities at one time or another.”
The councillors kept their cards close to their chest, as it became apparent this week that Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), who took over the running of Bradley Park 18 months ago, had no idea of the council’s proposals.
On the contrary, it has big plans to expand and improve the courses and range.
A KAL spokesman said: “KAL is hugely disappointed that the Kirklees Local Plan consultation draft proposes the Bradley Park Golf Club land for potential future housing use.
“Working with Tom Wild, the golf professional, we are committed to trying to protect this high quality facility for future generations.”
Golf clubs around Huddersfield also revealed that they had been contacted over the last few months by somebody from Kirklees Council asking about local clubs and whether there was oversupply.
They cited this as one reason for the proposed development at Bradley Park, omitting to mention that it is the only municipal course in Kirklees and regarded as the finest one in the north of England.
Nobody will be more disappointed and shocked at the news than Bradley Park professional Tom Wild, who is putting on a brave face.
It was only in April of last year that Parnell handed over the reins and Tom excitedly spoke of his and KAL’s plans for the future.
This week he said: “These plans seem strange as the facility is so successful and well used, bringing in lots of people and revenue. Bradley Park is a family brand, we get juniors, mums, dads, grandparents and friends, and we are continually expanding.
“The housing proposal has been lingering around for years, but I am very disappointed that it has resurfaced. KAL is looking to invest, improve and make Bradley Park even more accessible, and I want to see it grow.”
Sandra Shillito, lady captain at Bradley Park Golf Club, added: “I am in a state of absolute shock.
“They say we have enough golf clubs in the area, but this is the only pay and play.
“There are all these derelict sites around and they want to tear up Bradley Park. I am really very upset about the proposal and the way the council has gone about it.”
