Protesters gathered along a Leicestershire roadside over the weekend, defending Enderby Golf Course from a proposal to build up to 800 homes. Organisers from the Community Planning Alliance claimed around 170 organisations took part in a nationwide day of action highlighting concerns over the loss of green spaces. Blaby District Council's emerging Local Plan includes the nine-hole municipal course as potential development land to meet its obligation of delivering 654 new homes a year up to 2042.

The UK hosts approximately a quarter of Europe's golf courses, with English courses covering an estimated 270,000 hectares—roughly 2% of the country's total land area. England Golf reports a significant rise in planning proposals involving partial or full loss of golf provision over the past two to three years, driven by escalating land values and mounting pressure on councils to meet ambitious housing targets. The government is pushing for 1.5 million new homes in England over five years.

Golf has long carried a reputation as an exclusive pastime, but participation is shifting dramatically. Junior membership grew by more than 34% in 2025, rising from 46,028 to 61,483. However, Custodian Golf consultancy reports that nearly 20% of clubs are financially at risk. Housing advocates argue that converting golf courses could help address the UK's acute housing shortage, with some suggesting the land could be better used for much-needed homes.