THE future of Andover Golf Club has been booted into the long grass after the council agreed to a review in six months’ time.

In April, the Advertiser reported that Lib Dem councillor, Mark Cooper, and then councillor, Katherine Bird, had submitted a motion to Test Valley Borough Council asking for the golf club site to be transformed into a public park.

The motion said: “In view of the reported small membership and, therefore, perceived lack of viability of the Andover Golf Club, TVBC should call in the lease and give consideration for an alternative use for the 18.12 hectares (44.74 acres) as a park for the recreational use, of all Andover and Test Valley residents, rather than a limited number of golfers.”

Since then Cllr Cooper has expressed concerns that the land is included in the council’s Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

He said: “It shows that TVBC’s long-term aspiration is to develop the area for housing, but the landscape quality is such that it would be a great loss to future Andoverians.

“My worry is that if the golf course is not viable then Test Valley will want to make a lot of money from the site.

“Development land would be well over £1 million pre acre. A formal parkland would be a great legacy we should bestow upon the future.

“This is a matter that affects the whole town.”

A spokesman from TVBC said: “Full council asked the cabinet to look into the matter regarding Andover Golf Club at their meeting on 17 June.

“At the meeting, The cabinet agreed that no immediate action would be taken.

“The position of Andover Golf Club will be reviewed again in six months’ time with a view to the club remaining in occupation while they comply with the terms of their lease.”