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Fairway or driveway? Why golf courses are in the crosshairs of Britain's housing crisis
The piece examines proposed housing development on Enderby Golf Course as part of Blaby District Council's Local Plan, sparking local protests and a nationwide day of action. It discusses the broader debate over converting golf courses into housing amid housing shortages and changing demographics in the sport.
Why It Matters
It highlights tensions between meeting housing targets and preserving green spaces, illustrating how golf courses are viewed in land-use debates and policy shifts like the 'grey belt' concept.
Timeline
7 Events
April 25, 2026: Local protest against Enderby Golf Course development
April 25, 2026
Protesters gathered along the roadside near Enderby Golf Course as part of a day of action organized by Protect Enderby and Narborough Green Spaces. The demonstration opposed the plan to build up to 800 homes on or around the nine-hole municipal course, which Blaby District Council says could help meet its annual housing target of 654 homes up to 2042. Signs included 'Beep if you want to save our green spaces' and 'We need homes too!', with thousands reportedly signing a petition in opposition.
April 23, 2026: Article published on housing and golf-space debate
April 23, 2026
The article was published reporting on the Enderby protest and the broader debate over developing green spaces for housing as part of the local plan and nationwide housing targets.
2025: Membership and junior growth in English golf
2025
Total membership at English golf clubs rose to 750,071 in 2025, with junior membership growing by more than 34% in 2025, rising from 46,028 to 61,483.
July 2024: Government grey belt policy introduced
July 2024
In July 2024 the government introduced a new 'grey belt' policy for England, proposing that if a council's housing targets cannot be met, some existing green belt land will be redesignated as grey belt.
2024: English golf club membership reaches 730,602
2024
Total membership at English golf clubs was 730,602 in 2024.
2022: Female share rises to 20%
2022
In 2022, 20% of adult golfers on full-length courses in the UK and Ireland were female.
2019: Female share of adult golfers on full-length courses
2019
In 2019, 15% of adult golfers on full-length courses in the UK and Ireland were female.