The mini golf course would be located behind the water tower
The plans could be controversial(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
Plans for a mini golf course on the Downs could spark a legal challenge similar to a recent one that cost taxpayers £400,000. The course would be built behind the water tower on the expansive park in north Bristol.
A company operating the mini golf course would also take over the maintenance of the adjacent public toilet block. A lack of money has plagued the Downs for many years but a mini golf operator would help bring in cash to pay for the upkeep of the park and public toilets.
However the Downs committee were warned that a mini golf course could end up being “very expensive” on Monday, June 9. The committee consists of Bristol councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, a historic business group.
Susan Carter, from the Downs for People campaign, said: “If the mini golf facility is enclosed, it will be unlawful under the Downs Act. The committee only has powers to build changing rooms, not leisure and hospitality facilities. These proposals could be challenged in the courts, and be very expensive.”
No decision has been made yet on whether the mini golf course would go ahead. The problem is that putting a fence around the course could technically count as “enclosing” some of the parkland, which isn’t allowed under the Victorian law that protects the Downs from development.
Luke Mackenzie, Downs manager, said: “It was agreed to look at a plan and the land area, and how that would be impacted. We’re just currently waiting for those plans.”
Ms Carter and the campaign previously forced the Downs committee to stop drivers from parking on the grass to visit the Bristol Zoo Gardens, which used to be located in Clifton. Part of the grass was used as an overspill car park, but a High Court judge said this breached the Downs Act. The court case cost Bristol City Council around £400,000, according to Ms Carter.
However, the Downs Act does allow the committee to “appropriate land for leisure and exercise”. Last year plans for padel courts on the Downs were also considered. These are not going to be taken forward any more.