Royal Winchester Golf Club has identified several areas of land within its estate that could potentially be developed in the long term, prompting mixed reactions among members of the historic Hampshire club.
Land put forward in council planning process
The club has submitted three small parcels of land to Winchester City Council as part of its latest Call for Sites consultation, a process used to inform future planning decisions under the council’s emerging Local Plan.
Two of the plots are understood to be close to the sought-after Chilbolton Avenue area. The Call for Sites does not represent a planning application, but instead allows landowners to flag areas that could be suitable for future uses such as housing or community facilities.
Club stresses no commitment to sell or develop
In an email obtained by the Hampshire Chronicle, Royal Winchester Golf Club said it was not committing to selling or developing any land.
“The Club has identified three small parcels of land within our overall estate that could potentially have long-term development potential,” the email said.
“By submitting these areas through the Call for Sites process, we are not committing to sell or develop any land, but simply ensuring that the Club’s interests are represented in the Council’s future planning considerations.”
The club added that the submission was intended to “protect and enhance the long-term value of the Club’s land” and to keep open the option of a future land sale that could help fund improvements and investments.
General manager: discussions are early and exploratory
Royal Winchester general manager Nicholas McArthur said the club was acting responsibly to secure its long-term future.
“Royal Winchester Golf Club is a private members’ club, and like many clubs, we routinely consider a range of options to help ensure long-term sustainability,” he said.
“This includes, at a very high level, exploring potential opportunities and understanding the planning landscape, but no decisions have been made, nor are any commitments in place.”
Mr McArthur stressed that any land sale or development would require full consultation with members and a formal vote, adding: “We are not currently at that stage.”
He also said there was nothing substantive to comment on at present and that it would be premature to discuss outcomes while matters remain at an early stage.
Council leader: most sites are rejected
Winchester City Council leader and St Paul ward councillor Martin Tod said the submission should not be confused with a planning application.
“This isn’t the same as the situation in Lanham Lane,” he said. “That was a planning application. These proposals are a response to the council’s Call for Sites, which is a much earlier step in the planning process.”
Cllr Tod explained that the council typically receives far more sites than are needed, with the majority rejected due to access, environmental or infrastructure issues.
“It’s a long way between this kind of submission and any kind of planning application,” he added.
Member concerns over history and biodiversity
Despite the reassurances, some members have expressed concern about the direction the club may be taking.
One long-standing member, who asked not to be named, said they were “shocked and saddened” by the idea that parts of the course could be sold off.
“I joined because of its long history,” the member said. “The tone of recent emails suggests this may only be the beginning.”
The member also raised concerns about wildlife and biodiversity, noting that areas of rough have historically been left uncut to support habitats for animals living on the site.
One of Hampshire’s oldest clubs
Founded in 1888, Royal Winchester Golf Club moved to its current Teg Down location in 1901 and has held royal status since 1913.
While no development proposals are currently planned, the identification of land for possible future use highlights the financial and strategic pressures facing many traditional members’ clubs as they look to secure long-term sustainability.
