The Future of Beeston Fields Golf Course

A once-in-a-generation opportunity for Beeston

Beeston Fields Golf Course has long been a valued part of our town’s landscape. Run by the Mitchell family since 1923, it has provided a distinctive parkland setting that generations of local people have enjoyed and appreciated. The club house, which dates back to 1837, was formerly the home of Sir Harold Bowden, founder of the Raleigh Cycle Company. 1

The golf course was sold to property developer company, Cilldara Group Holdings, in November 2024. Cilldara stated, “Cilldara’s Managing Director, Jim Kelly, expressed his appreciation, stating, “We are grateful to Philippa and her family for trusting the Cilldara Group with the next phase of these successful businesses. We have acquired not only two exceptional facilities but also a dedicated management team and staff who prioritise delivering outstanding experiences for members and guests. We look forward to working with our new colleagues during this exciting time.

‘As Cilldara takes the reins, the company is committed to preserving the rich legacy of Beeston Fields while building on its success for future generations to enjoy.” 2

Today, however, the future of the site is under consultation.

While we would prefer to see the whole golf course preserved, we recognise that development may now be inevitable. If this is the case, then it must be done properly: with ambition, care, and a genuine commitment to quality.

This is not just about building houses. It is about shaping the future of Beeston.

A Shared Responsibility

As promoters, alongside the local planning authority (LPA) and the Society, there is a collective responsibility to ensure that any development delivers:

  • High-quality streets and public spaces
  • Thoughtful, enduring architecture
  • A meaningful contribution to Beeston’s character and heritage

Too often, new residential developments fail to live up to their promises. Despite glossy Design and Access Statements, the reality on the ground can be poor: mediocre design, weak materials, and environments that fall short of expectations.

We will not be persuaded by attractive illustrations or vague commitments.

Our membership includes experienced professionals with deep expertise in development management, urban design, and planning. We understand the realities of:

  • Viability
  • Adoption standards
  • Commercial delivery

And this allows us to engage constructively, pragmatically, and knowledgeably in the process.

A Positive Vision for Development

If new homes must be built here, they should enhance, not diminish, Beeston.

The Beeston Fields site presents a rare opportunity to create something exceptional: a development that enriches the town’s architectural, environmental, and social fabric for generations to come.

We are more “YIMBY” than “NIMBY” – we welcome good development. But we will strongly challenge anything that repeats the mistakes of standard volume housebuilding.

Our 20 Key Development Requirements (KDR) for Beeston Fields

These principles set out a clear, ambitious framework for what high-quality development on this site should look like.

  1. Parkland Create a parkland setting where existing trees sit alongside new trees planted in open spaces and along new streets, creating a strong green canopy.
  2. Trees Existing trees will be protected by Tree Protection Orders.
  3. Tapestry Provide a rich tapestry of connected public open spaces with species-rich grasslands, meadows, and woodlands.
  4. Biodiversity Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain on the development, with no off-site credits permitted.
  5. The Bridleway Protect the route and character of the bridleway, including its generous tree-lined edges.
  6. Edges Retain the green character of perimeter edges, with no structures within 30 metres of existing site boundaries.
  7. Energy Explore local micro-energy generation and distribution.
  8. More Trees Plant mature trees (16-18cm girth at 1m above ground level) and use tree crates in hard landscaped street environments.
  9. Education and Health Ensure school places and GP services accepting new patients are available within walking and cycling distance of new homes.
  10. Self Build Make 20% of plots available as self-build opportunities under a Plot Passport scheme.
  11. Water Manage water close to where it falls and avoid fenced-off attenuation basins.
  12. Streets Create low-traffic streets designed for 20mph speeds that encourage walking and cycling.
  13. Retirement Provide retirement accommodation based on the design quality and ethos of Pilgrim Gardens, Leicester.
  14. Two Wheels Provide ample cycle storage, with secure cycle space close to the front door of every home.
  15. Four Wheels Deliver a range of car parking solutions integrated with strong soft landscaping.
  16. Legacy Incorporate thoughtful architectural details and create a positive legacy for future generations rather than typical volume housebuilder developments.
  17. No Plastic Use authentic traditional or contemporary design, avoiding features such as plastic porches, fake chimneys, large chunky roof tiles, and low-quality wire-cut bricks.
  18. Shade Provide tree-lined streets with substantial shade-giving trees rather than low-growing ornamental shrubs.
  19. Rubbish! Avoid wheelie bins and work with the Council to explore street-based refuse collection systems.
  20. Our Community Work with the local community in a meaningful way through genuine engagement and collaborative planning, using these 20 points as a starting point. We want real participation – “Planning for Real” – using practical, inclusive methods where local people help shape outcomes from the outset.

What Happens Next?

This consultation is a critical moment.

We are ready to collaborate with developers and decision-makers to achieve the highest possible standards.

But we are equally prepared to oppose proposals that fail to meet these expectations – with strong community backing and clear, evidence-based arguments.

We have met with Cilldara, and presented to them our KDR (see below). We hope to continue to work with them.

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Let’s Work Together

The future of Beeston Fields should be something we can all be proud of.

The question is simple:

Will this be a development shaped with the community – or imposed on it?

Contact us about BFGC: beestonfields@beestoncivicsociety.org.uk