Fears are mounting that a historic Stockport golf club, established over a century ago, faces an existential threat from new housing proposals outlined in a key council document.
Club's Future Hangs in the Balance
Houldsworth Golf Club in Reddish, which was formed in 1910, could be 'finished' if plans to construct 122 homes on part of its land move forward. The club's directors, who report a healthy membership of over 500 with a steady stream of new joiners, say the proposal in Stockport Council's draft local plan would spell disaster.
The contentious blueprint, which charts development in the borough up to 2042, has earmarked a section of the club's land covering most of its car park and portions of the green course for residential building. This is part of the council's effort to meet a government target of building 25,000 new homes in Stockport by 2042.
'A Slow Death' for a Community Hub
David Conville, 63, a director at the club for six years, painted a stark picture of the potential consequences. "We are not a stereotypical golf club," he explained. "It's mostly run by volunteers, it's not like with paid staff, and most of our volunteers live within half a mile of the club."
He warned that losing over 100 parking bays—leaving just 13 or 14—and affecting three holes of the 18-hole course would cripple operations. "The club would die a slow death, and then they'd want to build on everything else that's left," Conville stated. "It would just be destroying a local amenity for the community, it would finish us."
The club's function room, a vital asset hosting around 3,500 visitors annually for events like weddings and funerals, would become unviable without adequate parking. Fellow director Steve Henderson, 62, emphasised this point: "We just could not have the functions if these plans go ahead, it destroys our function business."
Frustration Over Consultation and Search for Alternatives
Adding to the club's dismay, directors claim they were not contacted by the council prior to the draft plan's publication, learning of the threat only through a social media post. The club, which owns some of the land and holds long-term leases on the rest, has now submitted a formal letter of objection.
Local councillor for Reddish North, Rachel Wise, echoed the club's concerns. She stated the ideal outcome would be finding an alternative site for the needed homes, highlighting that Reddish North is the borough's second most densely populated ward. "Where [green space is] being used in a responsible and community-focused way, as Houldsworth Golf Club do, its loss would be significant," she said.
Councillor Wise also pointed to local frustration, noting the former Fir Tree pub site on the main road has sat idle for five years while a well-used facility faces potential loss.
Stockport Council, led by a minority Liberal Democrat administration, has defended its position while acknowledging the strain. Councillor Jake Austin, cabinet member for housing, blamed the Labour government for doubling the borough's housing target and redefining green belt rules. He described the government's actions as a 'land-grab' but confirmed the draft plan would be updated following a public consultation held in November and December 2025.
"We will continue to fight for the voice of our residents and communities, including Houldsworth Golf Club, throughout this process," Coun Austin added. The council is now considering all consultation responses before the local plan progresses further.
