Concerns are mounting over plans to redevelop North Oxford Golf Club into a large housing development, with locals fearing the new homes will fail to meet Oxford’s urgent need for affordable housing.

The 118-year-old golf club, located on Banbury Road, is set to close at the end of this month, with groundwork on a planning application expected to begin shortly after. The 70-acre site is part of a wider 1,180-home allocation in Cherwell District Council’s adopted local plan, situated between Cutteslowe and the A34.

While the site is co-owned by Oxford University, Merton College, and Exeter College, the university has stated that the target market for the homes has not yet been decided and will be determined during the consultation process.

However, some community members and golfers say they are worried the homes will cater primarily to London commuters rather than locals.

“There’s a huge danger that a lot of this land, supposedly to meet Oxford’s housing needs, will end up being ‘executive housing’ for yet more commuters,” said David Young, a member of both the club and the opposition Greenway Group.

The group had previously tried to halt the development but were ultimately unsuccessful.

Young also warned of the negative community impact, stating that the land’s transformation from Green Belt to urban sprawl will cause major disruption and dislocation.

“Virtually all this land will be built up, and the disruption caused by building on that much land will be horrendous,” he added.

The golf club has served not only as a sporting venue but also as a community space, hosting yoga and Pilates classes and fostering friendships among both members and local residents.

“People are having to split up or go elsewhere, not necessarily going into their first choice,” said Young.

The owners have offered the club £4.3 million to vacate the land. As part of the broader housing plan, an alternative site at Frieze Farm has been proposed for a new golf course.

Oxford University maintains that the nature of the homes and intended residents will be determined through a formal planning consultation, taking into account local feedback and housing needs.

Cherwell District Council has been contacted for comment.