A historic Sussex golf membership is ready to shut throughout its centenary yr after being instructed it should vacate its course to make method for a significant housing growth.
Ifield Golf Membership has been formally notified by Properties England that it should go away 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 utility for round 3,000 new houses west of Crawley, submitted to Horsham District Council.
Properties England, which has owned the land since 2020, renewed the membership’s lease earlier this yr earlier than issuing the discover to give up.
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 neighborhood 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 yr is heartbreaking for our members.”
Properties England mentioned the prolonged discover interval, which is longer than the legally required six months, is meant to present the membership time to plan for its future, together with the opportunity of relocating.
Though nationwide planning coverage doesn’t require a direct substitute for the golf course, Properties England has dedicated to offering different sport and leisure amenities.
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 amenities.
If planning permission is granted, the primary houses and infrastructure are anticipated to be delivered by 2029.
Horsham District Council is because of think about the housing proposals later this spring.
