A historic Sussex golf membership is about to shut throughout its centenary 12 months after being informed it should vacate its course to make method for a serious housing improvement.
Ifield Golf Membership has been formally notified by Houses England that it should depart its present website by April 2027, simply because it marks 100 years because it was based.
The membership’s land types a part of a wider planning software for round 3,000 new houses west of Crawley, submitted to Horsham District Council.
Houses England, which has owned the land since 2020, renewed the membership’s lease earlier this 12 months earlier than issuing the discover to stop.
The federal government housing company mentioned it had been clear for a number of years that the golf course would want to shut to allow the supply of important infrastructure linked to the event.
MEMBERS REACTION
A spokesperson for Ifield Golf Membership mentioned members had been “deeply saddened” by the choice and described the membership as “a significant a part of the native sporting group for generations”.
“This course is greater than only a place to play golf – it’s a social hub and a lifeline for many individuals within the space,” the spokesperson mentioned. “To be requested to go away in our centenary 12 months is heartbreaking for our members.”
Houses England mentioned the prolonged discover interval, which is longer than the legally required six months, is meant to offer the membership time to plan for its future, together with the potential for relocating.
Though nationwide planning coverage doesn’t require a direct substitute for the golf course, Houses England has dedicated to offering various sport and leisure services.
These embrace deliberate funding in Tilgate Golf Course in Crawley and Rookwood Golf Course in Horsham, together with a brand new leisure centre and swimming pool.
The broader scheme additionally contains plans for a brand new secondary college, new inexperienced areas and extra sports activities services.
If planning permission is granted, the primary houses and infrastructure are anticipated to be delivered by 2029.
Horsham District Council is because of take into account the housing proposals later this spring.
