North Devon Councillors will decide on Monday whether to extend the lease for a popular pitch and putt facility in Ilfracombe, described as one of a handful of things that a family could do on £20, or turn it over to nature and wildlife.
The lease at Larkstone Pitch and Putt is due to expire on April 4, 2027.
Documents to North Devon Council’s strategy and resources committee say that the current rent brings in £520 a year but it costs the council £1,900 annually to maintain.
It has been identified by council officers for biodiversity purposes and is expected to be eligible for funding from Natural England but Ilfracombe councillors say this is an important amenity for both visitors and local people.
There is no right to renew the lease at the end of the term and the current tenant Mr Andrew Hill has signed a declaration to that effect.
It could however be advertised for continued use as a pitch and putt and will be open to anyone to express an interest in the site.
The council’s parks team has indicated it would like to use the land as an addition to the buffer strip around Hillsborough, complimenting the existing meadow adjacent to Ilfracombe Swimming Pool.
Hillsborough is one of North Devon’s most designated sites, attracting internal funding from the likes of Historic England (for its management as a scheduled ancient monument) and from National Landscapes for management towards the national 30 x 30 environmental targets.
If the extra land does become available funding would be applied for to manage the site under the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme from Natural England like Ilfracombe Cairn is.
The funding would be modest but cover the operational grounds maintenance costs, said the council.
A meadow with mown paths and picnic spots on the greens would form the main part of the pitch and putt and tree and scrub planting connecting to the Millennium Woodland, the latter part managed by the “Friends of Hillsborough" volunteer group.
Previously Ilfracombe East ward councillor Paul Crabb (Con) said that pitch and putt was one of a handful of things that a family could do on a day out to Ilfracombe with £20 in their pocket.
He warned that the issue be handled sensitively and that biodiversity could be increased without shutting down the nine fairways.
Andrew Hill said on social media that neither of the options by the council would result in him continuing to run the course.
He said he would be open until the end of October half term and beyond that would be planning for a future pitch and putt for himself.
People responding to his post said they were sorry to hear that and that he had made a positive impact in Ilfracombe.
Council to Decide Future of Ilfracombe Pitch and Putt