The future of Rookwood Golf Centre in Horsham has come under threat after it was listed as one of several large sites around the West Sussex town that has been earmarked for future housing development.
The council-owned course, which first opened in 1997, and is located next to Warham Nature Reserve, close to the A24, could provide up to 1,000 new homes and is being promoted as an ‘urban extension’ of Horsham.
According to the document due to be put out for public consultation, “The proposed scheme seeks to incorporate green spaces and landscaping throughout the development, which would mitigate against the loss of the existing landscape. It is also noted that the promoter will ensure that biodiversity net gains are provided and that the adjoining nature conservation site – Warnham Local Nature Reserve – together with the historic mill building will continue to be protected.”
The document recognised the golf course provides leisure and recreational opportunities for local residents, but highlighted that pay-and-play facilities were available elsewhere, with Horsham Golf’s 18-hole course and 9-hole academy course located just a mile away.
If approved by Horsham District Council’s cabinet on January 30, the draft local plan document would be published for six weeks of consultation from February 17 to March 30. If allocated, the land would not be available for development until 2022/23 at the earliest.