Wycombe lodge football centre plans for golf course

Wycombe Wanderers have formally submitted plans to reduce the size of an 18-hole golf course to make way for a football training ground.

The Chairboys want to build the training base at South Buckinghamshire Golf Course, but improve community sports facilities at the neighbouring Farnham Park Playing Fields.

The proposals would bring the club's first team and academy together on one site, though it would see the golf course reduced to 12 holes, with a separate six-hole academy course and practice range provided.

Wanderers took over the course and playing fields in August through a partnership with Buckinghamshire Council. The authority is due to make a decision on the plans by 21 January.

Planning documents said the previous operating arrangements were financially unsustainable and investment was needed.

The proposals have been criticised by village community group Stoke Poges Task Force, which believed the site would become less attractive.

The football performance centre would provide changing rooms, a gym, offices and an education space, along with an indoor pitch and nine outdoor pitches, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A goalkeeper training area, training grids, spectator seating and a car park with 116 spaces have also been proposed.

The League One club said the facilities would meet Category 1 academy standards and bring its first team and youth development operations together.

The wider proposals include a community sports hub, floodlit 3G pitch, five covered padel courts and a walking route at Farnham Park.

Although the green-belt development would affect two footpaths, the applicant argued its sporting and community benefits provided the "very special circumstances" needed for approval.

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