Radical plans to build 130 homes on golf course

Hassocks Golf Club says it has been running at a loss for many years and has only avoided closure because of substantial ongoing subsidies from its owner.

Club director of golf Mike Ovett said this week: “There are no longer any funds available to continue this subsidy.”

The club now plans to reduce the number of course holes from 18 to 9 to free up the land for the development.

An initial application for planning permission has been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council for up to 130 houses on the site, a replacement golf clubhouse, a new driving range and comprehensive landscaping works.

The proposals also make provision for a two-hectare site for a new primary school should it be required in the future.

Mike Ovett said the proposals had been put forward following extensive talks with the local community, the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan Working Group,the parish, district and county councils.