A showdown is set for an exciting gold rush-style adventure zone at a golf course, with a complaint being made about its theme.
A showdown is brewing over plans for an American west‑themed adventure golf course at Lavender Park Golf Centre in Swinley Forest, opposite the Lapland UK site. The proposal, submitted to Bracknell Forest Council, would place the course between the existing golf course and driving range and features rocks to emulate Monument Valley, a steam train, a stagecoach, a settler’s wagon and a mine to evoke the gold rush era and ‘manifest destiny’.
A woman from Woodley has objected, calling the theme “genocidal”.
“In an age of cultural sensitivity and awareness, it seems abhorrent that one of the greatest genocides in human history is to be trivialised in the form of a North American gold rush-themed adventure golf course.
“The North American gold rush exacerbated the ongoing Native American genocide, with over 370 massacres being recorded, including the notorious California genocide.
“This is a shameful period of British and American history that must never be forgotten, and any attempt to glorify, trivialise or whitewash these events should be met with the contempt that it deserves.”
Neighbours have also raised practical concerns about parking and light and noise. One resident in Forest Close wrote:
“While we appreciate the need for local economic development, we have several serious concerns regarding this application that warrant some careful reconsideration.
“The development will undoubtedly result in a significant increase in vehicle movements.
“However, the area already struggles with limited parking availability, and both Swinley Road and Forest Close are subjected to car drivers that are not residents or visiting properties using the roads to park in or turn around in.
“Without adequate dedicated parking provision, it is likely that customers and staff will park on surrounding residential streets, exacerbating existing issues.”
The plans include expanding the existing car park to provide 40 regular spaces and an accessible parking space.
There were also worries about the course being open until 9pm in summer and the impact on noise, and fears about light pollution from six‑metre‑high columns that would be used in winter. Eight objections have been received.
Two residents backed the scheme, saying it would be a new facility for people to use, with one arguing it would be a ‘great addition’ for family activities in the area following the closure of Hollywood Bowl at The Point in October.
Because more than five people have objected, the application will be decided at a meeting of Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee, in line with the council’s rules on contentious plans. You can view the application by typing reference 25/00347/FUL into the council’s planning portal.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
