Hello golfers,
Re-Development Planning Appliation
(From Denys Cole - Owner of Hassocks Golf Club Limited)
As you are aware, the Club has been running at a loss for many years and has only avoided closure because of substantial on going subsidies from me. There are no longer any funds available to continue doing this, so I have been promoting a mixed-use development proposal to incorporate an element of new housing alongside a redesigned nine hole golf course and an all-weather driving range. The funds generated from the new housing would be used to fund the reconstruction of the golf course and the driving range, together with construction of a new clubhouse that would incorporate a bar, restaurant, pro-shop and multi-use function rooms.
Following a number of community consultation events organised both by the golf club and by the Parish Council, part of the land currently occupied by the golf course has been allocated within the Parish Council's Draft Neighbourhood Plan as being suitable for construction of up to 130 new dwellings. This would go some way towards satisfying the Parish Council's assessed requirement for approximately 300 new dwellings within Hassocks. The new homes at Hassocks Golf Club would be a mix of open market homes, starter homes, and affordable homes for rent. The homes would range in size for 2 to 5 bedrooms.
In addition to the different elements of development mentioned above, the plan that has now been finalised incorporates a number of community benefits such as public open space, new footpaths and cycle links, and land for a future primary school.
Following extensive discussions with the Parish Council and with Mid-Sussex District Council, we have now lodged a formal planning application with the District Council.
Along with the various elements referred to above, the planning application also has the following significant features:
- Given the siting of the development which only takes up a relatively small part of the existing golf course and the existing screening, there will be little or no adverse landscape impact;
- Transfer to the Council at zero cost of a 2 hectare serviced site for a possible future double form entry primary school;
- Transfer, at zero cost, of the freehold of the residual Golf Club land to the Parish Council (or Mid Sussex District Council) to safeguard the land for future generations;
- New areas of public open space as part of a comprehensive landscaping scheme which will also enhance biodiversity;
- Formation of new village green as a gateway feature to Hassocks on London Road;
- Preservation of the existing jobs associated with HGC through the formation of a viable and self-sustaining golf business;
- Creation of additional local employment opportunities during construction and the post development period, including new employment opportunities in the golf business;
- Safeguarding a significant existing leisure facility in Hassocks as a 9-hole golf course (with new driving range) which will make it one of the longest and most desirable 9- hole courses within the wider region;
- A new multi-functional golf club house that will be available for non-golf functions as a high quality venue in its own right.
It is unlikely that the planning application will be determined before autumn of this year. If we are successful there will be many months of further discussion and negotiation with the District Council in relation to detailed design and other matters. On this basis, no construction work would commence before summer or autumn 2017. Once construction does start, the work will carefully planned and phased in such manner as to ensure there is no interruption of play on the reduced scale of the course.
Our planning application, together with all supporting documents and specialist reports will shortly be available for public viewing on the Mid-Sussex District Council website.
Jaki Brown Trophy
Last Tuesday the Jaki Brown Trophy was played in cold and breezy conditions, this is the end of season Order of Merit Finale for the Mid-Week competition for the 2015-2016 season.
For those of you that don't know, but many will, Jaki Brown was a former General Manager at the golf club. A position she held for many years.
Despite the testing condition Geoff Hyde returned a fantastic nett score of 65 to win the competition by 2 shots from Brian Austin and Wade Ayling, with Brian and Wade only being separated on countback. Congratulations to Geoff.
As a reflection of the difficultly of the playing conditions on the day the competition standard scratch score increased by one shot to 70. Following their competition performances all of the top three had their handicap reduced by one shot.
Wade and Geoff continued their good day by splitting the 2's pot between them, with Wade collecting over £25 having returned two 2's.
adidas Shoe Trade-In - Offer Ends this week!
For the month of April receive money for your old shoes, no matter the smell!
Swap these…. For this!!
Purchase any pair of adidas shoe over £100 and receive £20 trade-in for your old shoes. Purchase any pair of adidas shoe over £80 and receive £10 trade-in for your old shoes.
Sky Caddie
Thinking of investing in your game with a new GPS unit?
Trade in any Range Finder - Dead or Alive and receive £50 back against a new Sky Caddie.
Offer is available until 31st May
Click here for more details.