Lack of operator interest sees revised masterplan for country park

A scaled-back masterplan for Newbold Comyn, which will see an extension to the nature reserve and mixed-use cycle tracks across the former golf course, is set to be discussed at the Warwick District Council’s Executive on Tuesday 17 November.

The Council says that reduced interest from operators has meant ditching planned high ropes, wires, an activity centre, an adventure golf course and a 9-hole pitch and putt because of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

The areas put aside for these activities will be reveiwed by the spring of 2022, says the Council.

A new addition to the masterplan includes a ‘learn to ride’ area that will enable young children to learn to cycle and progress on to the other cycle trails available.

The extension to the nature reserve will also provide the Council with the opportunity to plant trees as part of its ambition to plant 160,000 trees across the district over the next ten years.

Following the agreement of the proposed masterplan, the Council says it will begin a phased approach based on the financial requirements for each aspect. The masterplan remains an outline document and each phase will be subject to relevant planning permissions.

The Council will also be working with Warwickshire County Council on a Traffic and Parking Assessment.

Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Neighbourhood, said: “Since the closure of the golf course we have been working closely with residents and local stakeholders to understand the future of Newbold Comyn. Following three consultations and over 7,000 responses, we feel we have a masterplan that reflects the requirements of our residents, and I look forward to hearing what other Councillors think of these proposals.

“This is very much a local facility for local people, with the cycle tracks, extended nature reserve and additional football pitches providing a real focus on improving our residents’ health and wellbeing.”