Stockwood Park Golf Centre lives another day after 'passionate views' aired in public consultation

In February, the council announced it was drawing up "potential savings" due to the loss of income from Luton Airport.

"As a direct result of the impact of the coronavirus shutdown, the council is focused particularly on the future operation of the Golf Centre at Stockwood Park," the local authority stated. "This includes the 18-hole course, the nine-hole course and the clubhouse building."

The proposals prompted a fierce backlash from the public, with an online petition to save the golf club attracting over 9,450 signatures.

By the time the consultation concluded in late March, thousands of comments had been submitted.

Today, Luton Borough Council thanked the public for their participation and added: "We have had a huge response with a wide range of passionate views put forward.

"The golf course and the park are clearly valued by a large number of people.

"We have therefore agreed to undertake a long-term master planning exercise for the whole of the park to explore how we can best use the whole of the park for the benefit of the wider community.

"The masterplan is a big piece of work so the Golf Club will continue to operate as it is now for the time being, but we will undertake some necessary compliance works to the club house in the next few weeks.

"For the avoidance of doubt, there have never been any plans to build houses or any other similar development on the park. Our key priority is about ensuring that we maximise the recreational benefits of the park for the whole of the community."

A full report on the outcome of the consultation is expected to be published shortly