A petition calling on Enfield Council to protect an area of green belt parkland has attracted more than 2,400 signatures.

The online petition calls on the council to ensure its decision to lease Whitewebbs Park golf course does not stop residents from enjoying full access to the park and woodland.

Enfield Council announced last year it planned to lease the 18-hole course and nearby woodland to a commercial partner for 25 years, and a preferred bidder is expected to be chosen in April.

The petition makes five requests of the council, including that it “avoid any measures or developments that will in any way restrict the citizens of Enfield from freely enjoying full access to the woodlands, amenities, current physical activities, golf and the open spaces of Whitewebbs Park”.

It also asks for a “full public consultation with all interested park users before any proposals are agreed and implemented”.

If the petition is signed by more than 3,124 Enfield residents before January 31, it will trigger a debate at a meeting of the full council.

Enfield Council previously announced that all bids for the golf course lease “are required to consist of leisure activities”

It added: “Local people will see an improvement in facilities and no loss of activities such as dog walking, bike riding, horse riding and cafe provision.

“In fact, the intention is to increase use of the park to more of the community after the investment.”

While some bids may involve spreading soil on the land – to remodel the golf course, for example – the bidder would have to demonstrate this “would not lead to an unacceptable environmental or ecological impact”

Once a preferred bidder has been chosen, there will be a public engagement day and a statutory consultation on its proposals before they are considered by the council’s planning committee.

The petition is available here.