A GOLF club could be halved in size to make way for a new 130-home estate and a primary school.

Hassocks Golf Club has submitted plans to turn downscale its 18-hole course and introduce new houses after running for many years at a loss.

The proposals for the club in in London Road, Hassocks, also makes provision for a two-hectare site for a new primary school, which could help ease the burden on West Sussex County Council’s scramble for new school spaces.

Golfers will still be able to use the club, which has also applied for a new clubhouse and driving range, but the course will be cut from 18 holes to nine.

Mike Ovett, director of golf at Hassocks Golf Club, said: “Hassocks Golf Club has been running at a loss for many years and has only avoided closure because of substantial ongoing subsidies from its owner.

“There are no longer any funds available to continue this subsidy.

“Following an extensive process of engagement with the local community, the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan Working Group, and the parish, district and county councils, we are pleased to advise that Hassocks Golf Club has submitted an outline planning application to Mid Sussex District Council proposing a comprehensive redevelopment of the golf course site.

“This will make a significant contribution towards housing provision in Hassocks.”

The housing will be a mixed tenure scheme including open market homes for sale, starter homes and affordable homes for rent.

They will range from two to five bedroom homes and the masterplan for the site will create new areas of public open space, new footpath and cycle links and substantial new tree planting.

Proceeds from the sale of the housing site will enable the survival of the existing golf club business as a remodelled nine-hole course with an all-weather driving range along with a new purpose built clubhouse.

The new clubhouse will incorporate a bar, restaurant, pro-shop and multi-use function rooms that will be available for external functions.

Should the planning application be accepted by councillors, the proposal will safeguard the existing 21 jobs and will create new jobs.

Mr Ovett added: “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.”